Bearslayer Part 22

From farms a tenth part was his now, And of their crops a share was due.

The Church's Father for each plough Would take from them a levy too."

"Such shamelessness I bitter spurned.

It would destroy my ancient home: Possessions plundered, houses burned, The people would be slaves to Rome.- Together with a little band I fled to safety from their ranks, And came to Dabrels in his land, Found refuge on the Gauja's banks."

"Some Latvian Lords who shared my plight, Came to this stronghold, where they thought With warriors bold to stand and fight, And threw up ramparts round the fort.

They, with the Livs as allies, tried To stand against the Strangers' strength; All hoped that though some would have died, They would defeat the knights at length."

"By Daniel warned about their stand, A troop of knights the Bishop sent, To travel to the Gauja land; Among them riding, Kaupa went.- In Turaida in open show, The Christian faith he now professed, And formed deep friends.h.i.+ps with the foe, That all his people sore distressed."

"The Gauja fort for Christ to win, With knights he soon began to seek.

The mind of Dabrels doubt put in, And made our fathers' G.o.ds seem weak.

He said the Bishop had come here, To hold from Riga's Castle sway, And cherish as his children dear, All those who would the Pope obey."-

"High on the ramparts Rusin? spoke, Sought Kaupa's message to reject, As was the custom of his folk, His helm removed to show respect.

A heavy arrow from a bow Then struck his unprotected head, And mortal wounded by the blow Down to the ground he toppled dead."

"All were enraged by this base deed, Ran from the palisade pell-mell; They charged the Strangers without heed, And slaughtered them until night fell."

"But reinforcements soon were sent To help the Strangers in the fray; The Latvians then withdrew and went Into their fort to wait for day."

"For days and weeks sharp was the fight, Until at last the stockade fell, Defeated by the foemen's might, Like heroes though our men fought well.

At length the Latvians, nearly all Found death upon the ramparts high.- And having lost this sheltering wall, Our people's lands defenceless lie."

"The Bishop soon his ranks will fill; In sorrow, Lords, such news I send, But, if we do our G.o.ds' just will, Our fight will know a happy end.

For still in Latvia's rolling lands Are men by whom sharp spears are made, And still a hundred hundred hands That well know how to wield a blade."

"So, sound the trumpet, beat the drum, Our warriors brave to war to send, And straight they will as one man come, To fight for freedom to the end!"

Bearslayer comes to lead them in the fight

While, shocked, the chieftains listened well, Around them through the valley wide The songs of Liga silent fell.- But then a hundred voices cried: "Bearslayer, see, where he comes near!"

Rejoicing, people called his name.

Into the grove, unchecked by fear, With his companions now he came.

Bearslayer, with Laimdota, and Dark Spidala their sires embraced, While firm Koknesis gave his hand.

Reunion's joy all gloom displaced.

A special joy the fathers knew To see their children safe that day- Now with the young folk close in view, Grave peril's threat seemed far away!

With his companions close to him, Bearslayer in the council sat.

To all reports he listened grim, And what had pa.s.sed he learned from that.

His heart felt deep and burning pain, His eyes in anger glowed with hate, When, told the story once again, He learned of Lielvarde's fate.

The priests proclaimed the night at end, And prayed that all their people dear The G.o.d's salvation would defend, But urged their sons to show good cheer, And courage, if they must, to fall, For other folk to give their life.- At this, in thoughtful manner all Now homeward went, prepared for strife.

The chieftains knew that soon their lot Would be to fight upon this ground, But still upon this hillside spot, The sun's first rays the council found.

They sat together, talking more: As one they pledged to make a stand, Destroy the Strangers in a war, Or drive them all from out the land.

Upon their spears this oath they swore, Bearslayer their commander made, The whole a.s.sembled host before, And named Koknesis to give aid, With Talvaldis as second man.- Then, once again to friends.h.i.+p sworn, At last the chiefs, as time fast ran, The Azure Mountain left at dawn.

Bearslayer's captains, in a band, With Aizkrauklis and Spidala rode, Laimdota too was close at hand, To Burtnieks his sire's abode.

The youthful couples wished, once there, To celebrate their wedding vow, And in this ancient manor fair, Take priests' and fathers' blessings now.

Bearslayer's Wedding

"Why does my garland sit So crooked on my brow?

How could it straighter fit, Weighed down with gossip now!"

"While I my garland wore, Of Laima was no heed; I wear it now no more, And, weeping, Laima need."

"Oh thatch a house with reeds, Put silver pegs beneath, So that our sister, needs, Can hang her oaken wreath."

"The rattling bridge astride, The groom now rides in view.

My kinsmen, if you ride, Your swords will rattle too!"

"Look where in warrior's state My kinsmen do great deeds, With swords attend the gate, And calm their fretful steeds!"

Within the castle's palisade The relatives thus joyful call, Awaiting suitors there arrayed, Who ride up, seeking, to the wall.

With many friends Bearslayer rode Beside Koknesis to the fort, According to their ancient code, Like strangers, entrance there they sought.

They asked about a place to rest, For each, and also for his colt.- Within the gates now every guest Demanded answers to unbolt: From whence they came, to where they rode, If they were safe to have inside; Until Old Burtnieks forth strode, Himself the gates then opened wide.

Within the hall were tables laid, With sumptuous meals for feasting fit, And in the centre, clear displayed, Chairs where the suitors had to sit.

They asked to see the fairest maid; The wedding party led in some, But they rejected all displayed, Until Laimdota forth had come, With Spidala, and joined the folk.

They wore rich clothes, and on their head Were decorated wreaths of oak, Bound with brocade and precious thread.

The suitors rose and praised each bride, And sat them in the chairs in state, And both men stood there close beside, And now began to ask them straight If they would sell their garlands here.

Such precious goods with payment high They willingly would purchase dear.

To which the guests made this reply:

"Not with a sack of gold or more, Can maidens such as these be bought.

Through neither riches, nor through war, Can maidens such as these be caught."

But after both were full agreed.

And when the men had promised fast To guard them well, meet every need, The maidens gave consent at last.

To marry both, the priests now came.

With ivy twined round leaves of oak Their hands were joined in Laima's name; Meanwhile the priests this blessing spoke: "Just as the supple ivy curls, And round the oak itself entwines, So with the slender new-wed girls, Whom love now with their groom combines!"

The grooms before them gifts now spread- With tears her wreath gave up each bride.

Then on their heads were placed instead Expensive caps of marten's hide, Adorned with silver was each hat.

Each new-wed bride went with her man Up to the table, where they sat.- The wedding banquet now began.

All day into the night it went; Led by the songs of choirs sweet, They danced until their strength was spent.

But when the pairs went to their seat, Old Burtnieks, grown stern, required That banqueting should early cease.- Much sooner, then, the guests retired Than if their land had been at peace.