Bearslayer Part 13

Saluting then he set out on the track, And left the place where happiness had been.

Kaupa sets out for Rome

In Turaida, within a castle hall, Of three men talking voices could be heard.

False Kangars shared with Dietrich priesthood's call, The chieftain, Kaupa, was of them the third.

The German priest a way perfidious found, The fiery chieftain in his web to snare: He told what things in German life abound, Of heroes of the folk, and culture rare, And of the faith that man and G.o.d unites.- Of Rome's High Father too the plan unfurled, Together with the brotherhood of knights, To spread the sacred faith across the world.

Here Kangars aided Dietrich in his work -Though Kaupa's mind so much he had in grip, His fathers' G.o.ds the chieftain soon would s.h.i.+rk.- From Germany had come a mighty s.h.i.+p, And all the merchants wished now to remain, A city at the river's mouth to build, Which for the Baltic folk would bring much gain, If only mighty Kaupa all this willed.

He read a letter from the Pope's great home, Who Kaupa sent good words and blessings fair, And wished the chieftain's presence there in Rome.

Moreover, Dietrich said that Kaupa there With his own eyes the German land would see, And through the Holy Father earn much fame.- In Kaupa surged the wish in Rome to be, He felt the Pope gave honour to his name.

He swore a German city to condone, Resolved next day within their s.h.i.+p to sail, With Dietrich leading to the Holy Throne.- On their return vowed Kangars not to fail.

At Daugava's mouth soon after All Souls' Eve, Slow on the tide a German vessel swayed.

A throng looked on while, casting loose to leave, Last goods in haste were dealt in final trade, And for their castle men the Germans hired.- To go on board, soon Kaupa there appeared, And Dietrich too into the s.h.i.+p retired.

With greetings warm the watching folk all cheered.

From high upon the s.h.i.+p now Kaupa spoke: "My countrymen, of wonders I am told, Of famous German lands and wealthy folk.

A friends.h.i.+p thus with them we will unfold, And let them build a castle on our soil, Through which for us new springs of trade will flow, Our riches will increase, reward for toil, Our land will thrive, the wealth of all will grow."

"To German sh.o.r.es to seek this out I go: But first my promise firm to you I give, To tell what we must do, so soon I know.

Until that day with them in friends.h.i.+p live."

The people cheered, their caps rejoicing threw: "If they with good intention friends.h.i.+p hail, Long live then Kaupa, and the Strangers too!"- Then with fair winds the mighty s.h.i.+p set sail.

But Kangars of their friends.h.i.+p knew the cause, And understood full well the Germans' heart.

With Spidala he stood upon the sh.o.r.es, And, spiteful smiling, watched the s.h.i.+p depart.

Bearslayer is consumed by sorrow, and disappears

Just then was heard: "Bearslayer now is here, Who brought the giant low." The crowd spread wide, As from his weary horse he sprang down clear.- He knew that Kangars had an evil side, And raging at the priest he loudly roared: "Reveal now, traitor, what Laimdota's lot, Or else your bones will feel my hacking sword.

Her disappearance is your evil plot."

In place of Kangars Spidala words found, As on the far horizon sailed the s.h.i.+p: "Look, there, where she to Germany is bound."- Bearslayer cried: "We are in murder's grip!

Such wicked deeds the people will not stand, But will strike back, for open I will say, That you and Kangars magic means command, And for yourselves the people's faith betray!"

"Oh people, do not trust the Strangers' guile, If love for freedom and our faith you feel!"- As all the people heard his deeds so vile, False Kangars summoned strength the breach to heal, Lest in this moment fame and power he lose.

These words he spoke: "Young hero, for this shame Like you, the wrath of Perkons I would choose, Did I not know you wrongly give me blame."

"Soon Kaupa's eyes in German lands will see, How far to trust the friends.h.i.+p they have shown.

Your second charge too gives no blame to me: Laimdota did not wish to go alone.- Since Kaupa planned to take some youths from here, To gain the wisdom Germany entails, Your friend, Koknesis, rushed to volunteer; As lover of Laimdota now he sails."

"Last night was opportune from you to part, To go with Kaupa to the German sh.o.r.es.- Be sure, young hero, in the maiden's heart, Though praising all your deeds, she was not yours.

To make you sad she did not have the will, Through unrequited love. Her heart's behest She yet knew well, and was resolved to fill: She knows now joy, with true love in her breast."

If Perkons of a sudden walked abroad, Bearslayer's mind had not been more amazed.

Both pale and shocked he lowered then his sword, That set to strike at Kangars had been raised.

Deep in his heart struck pain that knew no end, Like stabbing knives his soul felt jealousy.

Could thus Koknesis prove so false, his friend?

And chaste Laimdota too? How could this be?

Though naught he shared with Kangars of this view, Another reason plain was not to find, Why both Koknesis and Laimdota too, In secret left the castle gates behind.

But thoughts like these Bearslayer gave no place.- Through Kaupa's voyage to the German sh.o.r.e, For him all things now had a different face; Of Kaupa's motives he had doubts no more.

"Your innocence," he cried, "my thoughts refuse, But I will wait while Kaupa sails the sea, Or for a s.h.i.+p from Germany with news; But warning take, if you have lied to me!"

Regarding them no more, he rode away.- Then Spidala rejoiced with devilish glee; The longed-for moment now had come this day; Bearslayer's fate was worse than death could be!

In sadness deep, Bearslayer homeward rode.- With joy old Lielvardis saw him come, But marked at once his sorrow's heavy load.

When asked, Bearslayer told his care's full sum.

Then Lielvardis said: "Do not despair, Do not lose hope. Strange ways can Fate fulfil.

Perhaps, though things against it witness bear, A blameless maid, Laimdota loves you still."

Calmed by his father's soothing heartfelt view, Bearslayer sent to Burtnieks to tell, Of fair Laimdota's fate all that he knew.

In Lielvarde's halls he chose to dwell, Though mourning sorrow occupied his days.- Alone he walked the cliffs where Daugava flows, The water's white-capped waves drew then his gaze, He bitter raged at Destiny's cruel blows.

He yearned to roll like waves down to the sea, That with the North Wind's icy blasts wild fights, To gaze upon the North Wind's Daughter free, With her to bide, beneath the Northern Lights.

The young man deeply longed to calm his breast, And cool his fevered brow, and felt compelled No more to be in Lielvarde guest.- And soon none knew the place the hero dwelled.

CANTO IV THE LATVIANS SUFFER MANY HARDs.h.i.+PS

Scene 1: Kaupa is seduced by wealth and power

Kaupa accepts Christianity

In mighty, ancient Rome, The Pope's eternal See, He called from Peter's dome, The Holy Land to free.

The Baltic he decreed To be the Holy Land.

All knights from sin he freed Committed by their hand, If in the Baltic's bounds, They fought the pagan foe, Built castles in strong grounds, That priests might safely go.

His call to arms soon raised A fortune-seeking band, Who loud the venture praised- They sought estates and land.

Such men their fate pursue And sail to foreign sh.o.r.es.

They seek a homeland new, And follow no man's laws.

In Peter's Church one day The Pope absolved their sin, A bishop gave, to pray, And leaders from his kin.

At last, to those he turned, Come from the Baltic sh.o.r.e; His blessings Dietrich earned, To Kaupa he gave more.

They were allowed with grace To kiss his slippered feet; With Kaupa, face to face, The Pope then deigned to meet.

He asked of Baltic tribes If Christ's true faith they sought, The faith now sent with scribes, To them as brothers brought.

Theirs were, as brothers, too The benefits and more, That round them stood in view, Or on the way they saw.

Yet all of that was slight, Against the endless price That is believers' right, When death brings paradise!

Now Kaupa thought of home, The wealth could not deny, In Peter's Church in Rome Arrayed before his eye.

His ancient sires seemed weak, Their G.o.ds could not thus bless.

He vowed the G.o.d to seek, Who gave such happiness.