Memorial Essay on Some Phases of the Maritime Life of France and England Directly Traceable to the Vikings #267002

Rollo - Gange-Rolf.<br><br>(Translated by Wilhelm Pettersen.)<br><br>Fierce son o' the North, he graved his history<br>By valor's mighty sword forged by Victory.<br>In high-beaked ships o'er turbulent seas he went<br>And on fair England's shore first pitched his tent.<br>Exiled from home, om Neustria's shore he found<br>A home full worthy of his great renown,<br>And here he gathered hosts of heros brave<br>Who fought to conquer or to seek a grave.<br>Of Roman and of Franc he left no trace,<br>But planted in the land a new-born race<br>Whose courage blended well with reason's sway.<br>This pirate-chief to faith oped wide his soul,<br>And as a statesman played a founder's role.<br>His sword made wide th' horizon of his day.<br>Rouen he ruled as duke, the while kings feared<br>When Rollo's battle-ry, "harou," they heard<br>Rising from ships that anchored 'neath the throne.<br>In lofty strains the Scalds his deeds proclaimed -<br>Him History one of her heros named -<br>Founder of Normandy, Old Norway's mighty son!