The question puts to sea and strand: 'Tis well, if on the battlefield Our "Yes" is sealed! 'Tis well, if now our strength is steeled For us they fought; 't is now our call List to the Northern spirit o'er Here once high thoughts in word were freed, And ever shall the selfsame need That spirit sing: Heed not things trivial, foreign, new; O brother-band, this faith so dear The spirit of the North to free, Our common toil and prayer shall be, Those greater days again to see,-— Of home and trust a message strong OPEN WATER! OPEN water, open water! All the weary winter's yearning Open water, open water! Smiles the sun on ice defiant, Eats it like a shameless giant: Soon as mouth of sun forsakes it, Open water, open water! Sweeping on from others' summer Open water, open water! Mirrored mountains are appearing, Boats with steam and sail are nearing, Inward come the wide world's surges, Outward joy of combat urges. Open water, open water! SONG OF FREEDOM TO "THE UNITED LEFT" (1877) FREEDOM's father-power strong, Thought and wit and melody, Enemies whom none could tell Bare fields blossom 'neath his feet, From his fire gleam thought-rays bright,— For the land law he planned, Keeps it, guards with head and hand, Of all rue and error quit, Crushing him who injures it. Freedom's God is God of light, Not the bondsman's god of fright,– TO MOLDE MOLDE, Molde, True as a song, Billowy rhythms whose thoughts fill with love me, Naught is so black as thy fjord, when storm-lashes Naught is so mild as thy strand, as thine islands, Ah, as thine islands! Naught is so strong as thy mountain-linked ring, True as a song, Molde, Molde, Flower-o'ergrown, Houses and gardens where good friends wander! 'Mid the roses full-blown. Strong shines the sun on that mountain-rimmed beauty, Only with life ends the fight for the right. Flower-o'ergrown, Childhood's memories' throne. Oh, may at last In thine embrace, life's fleeting Conflict past, Glad thine evening-glory greeting, |