and Helge, were born to Bele. The lads played
together, and were already well grown when Ingeborg, Bele's little
daughter, was born, and some time later the child was entrusted to
the care of Hilding, who was already Frithiof's foster father, as
Thorsten's frequent absences made it difficult for him to undertake
the training of his boy.

"Jocund they grew, in guileless glee;
Young Frithiof was the sapling tree;
In budding beauty by his side,
Sweet Ingeborg, the garden's pride."

Tegner, Frithiof Saga (Longfellow's tr.).

Frithiof soon became hardy and fearless under his foster father's
training, and Ingeborg rapidly developed the sweetest traits of
character and loveliness. Both were happiest when together; and as
they grew older their childish affection daily became deeper and more
intense, until Hilding, perceiving this state of affairs, bade the
youth remember that he was a subject of the king, and therefore no
mate for his only daughter.

"To Odin, in his star-lit sky,
Ascends her titled ancestry;
But Thorsten's son art thou; give way!
For 'like thrives best with like,' they say."

Tegner, Frithiof Saga (G. Stephens's tr.).

Frithiof's Love for Ingeborg

These wise admonitions came too late, however, and Frithiof vehemently
declared that he would win the fair Ingeborg for his bride in spite
of all obstacles and his more humble origin.

Shortly after this Bele and Thorsten met for the last time, near the
magnificent shrine of Balder, where the king, feeling that his end was
near, had convened a solemn assembly, or Thing, of all his principal
subjects, in order to present his sons Helge and Halfdan to the people
as his chosen successors. The young heirs were very coldly received
on this occasion, for Helge was of a sombre and taciturn disposition,
and inclined to the life of a priest, and Halfdan was of a weak,
effeminate nature, and noted for his love of pleasure rather than of
war and the chase. Frithiof, who was present, and stood beside them,
was the object of many admiring glances from the throng.

"But close behind them Frithiof goes,
Wrapp'd in his mantle blue;
His height a whole head taller rose
Than that of both the two.

He stands between the brothers there--
As though the ripe day stood
Atween young morning rosy-fair,
And night within the wood."

Tegner, Frithiof Saga (