Part 24 (1/2)

Just Daniel Bannerov lived through, Was taken prisoner, yet alive.

The knight was given, on that day, Into the village elders' hands, Revenge to take in their own way For his base deeds within their lands.

Bearslayer and Laimdota know brief peace

Of Lielvarde word spread wide, It was Bearslayer's home once more!

In every house on every side, To all, great joy the tidings bore.

As though new-born all felt fresh life, And those, who to the forest's s.p.a.ce Had fled from there to hide from strife, Returned and took their former place.

All hurried then in joyful ranks To Lielvarde's castle gate, To greet Bearslayer and give thanks That he had saved them from harsh fate; Their mood was bright with victory's glance.- A feast gave Lielvardis there, Where all could eat and drink and dance, And booty was divided fair.

The chiefs exulted, then one day, All thought of Daniel's crimes once more.

They dragged him out, led him away, And took him to the Daugava's sh.o.r.e.

”You, German dog,” to him they cried, ”Through you we felt the fire's scald!

But power now is on our side- To you we give the water's cold!”

They took a plank of wood at last, And on his back tied to the beam Placed Daniel there, with ropes made fast, And pushed it in the river's stream: ”Sail to your homeland back,” they mocked, ”Go seek your brothers' welcoming hands!

And take the foreign faith, here blocked, Away with you to other lands!”

By fear they had not felt before The Strangers all were gripped when told About the mighty feats in war Performed by Latvia's hero bold.

They ran away from every side And fled to Riga with one mind, In its cathedral sought to hide, In those strong walls a haven find.

But even there, in this dark hour, No longer safety Albert knew- That soon in Baltic lands his power Would fade away, this was his view.

And so, to get more armoured knights, He sailed the sea to German sh.o.r.e, Men to recruit to fight his fights, And in the spring renew the war.

In Riga, ruling in his place, He left false Kaupa, who explained, He would protect by G.o.d's good grace All Christian Strangers who remained.

The danger now was fully spent, Bearslayer knew, throughout the land, And so his soldiers homeward sent.- In Lielvarde, hand in hand Peace with Laimdota now found there.

She worked inside all to restore, He strove the buildings to repair, And farmyard labours oversaw.

Koknesis too from war returned, And Aizkrauklis, from battle spent.

With Spidala, to rest well earned, To Aizkraukle all three now went.

From them with love they took their leave Bearslayer and Laimdota both; In parting sought not deep to grieve, To friends' good fortune made an oath.

Old Lielvardis, with his friend, To Burtnieks's castle rode.

The two old men wished in the end To make together their abode.

To satisfy their own deep needs Now lived Bearslayer and his bride.

Although great fame came through their deeds, And honour from the people's side, There on the Daugava's pleasant sh.o.r.e At last they found what, all above, Their hearts throughout had missed so sore- Sweet happiness and married love!

Scene 4: The death of Bearslayer and the conquest of Latvia

The secret of Bearslayer's strength is revealed

The springtime came and, once again, Clothed hills and valleys all in green; And wakened nature's creatures then, That frisky gambolling could be seen.

Within our Fatherland it seemed That warlike times had safely pa.s.sed.

All stayed at home because they deemed That springtime work should start at last.

They fixed the plough and beat the share, Worked hard each fence and yard to mend.- And even Kangars sought fresh air, And worked his garden beds to tend.

He cut off branches, stakes drove in, To help the plants there healthy grow.