The Norse King's Bridal
THE NORSE KING'S BRIDAL
TRANSLATIONS FROM THE DANISH AND OLD NORSE, WITH ORIGINAL BALLADS
BY
E. M. SMITH-DAMPIER
LONDON: ANDREW MELROSE
3 YORK STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C.
1912
AUTHOR'S PREFACE
In
these translations from the Danish I have adhered strictly to the metres
of the original; this, however, is not the case with those from the Old
Norse. The original ballads are not versifications of Northern legends,
but, like those in my previous volume, so far as matter goes, pure inventions
of my own.
With regard to "The
Awakening of Angantheow" and "The Lay of Thrym," I have
little but apologies to offer. No one can be more sensible than myself
of their shortcomings. My excuse is, that I could learn of no other English
metrical versions---and we all know who rush in where angels fear to tread!
If my inadequacies exasperate some better poet than myself to the production
of versions nearer to the magnificent originals, they will at least have
justified their existence.
October 5, 1911.
Transcribed by Aaron Myer