THE POESY OF SKALDS
197
LII. "There the metaphors coincide; and he who interprets the language of poesy learns to distinguish which king is meant; for it is correct to call the Emperor of Constantinople King of Greeks, and similarly to call the king who rules over the land of Jerusalem King of Jerusalem, and also to call the Emperor of Rome King of Rome, and to call him King of Angles[1] who governs England. But that periphrasis which was cited but now, which called Christ King of Men, may be had by, every king. It is proper to periphrase all kings by calling them Land-Rulers, or Land-Warders, or Land-Attackers, or Leader of Henchmen, or Warder of the People.
Thus sang Eyvindr Skald-Despoiler:
- Who filled the ravens
- From life was reft
- By the Earth-Rulers
- At Ögló.[2]
And as Glúmr Geirason sang:
- The Prince beneath the helmet
- Reddened the sword hone-hollowed
- On the Geats: there the Land-Warder
- Was found in the grinding spear-din.
As Thjódólfr sang:
- 'T is my wish that the glorious Leader
- Of Henchmen, the Glad-hearted,
- Should leave his sons the heritage
- And the sod of his fair freehold.
