Edvard Grieg
Olaf Trygvason went forth across the North Sea
U p toward his new kingdom which did not await him.
As he catches the first sight of land
“What is this wall rising out of the sea?”
And there was Olaf Trygvason
The land appeared quite closed. All of his kingly dreams
Seemed dashed against the cliff
Until a poet spied white domes and spires in the sky.
And Olaf Trygvason thought
He suddenly saw graying old temple walls with white snow arches.
In his youthful faith, he longed sorely to stand inside.
The land opened; spring was alive.
With the rush of waterfalls, storms, and the ocean’s roar around them.
Strange was the hum of the forest
Organ and bells could be heard.
The king looked around; the king was moved.
Here is the foundation,
The temple arch defies hell.
The spirit trembles, the heart is full.
Here only the greatest is acclaimed!
Would that my faith were as strong as the foundation
Rising to nature’s greatest height
Filled by Him who unites.
We all join in Olaf’s prayer. Now as then and always
The spirit trembles, the heart is full.
Here only the greatest is acclaimed!
Would that my faith were as strong as the foundation
Rising pure as the glacier’s dome.
The spirit rising to nature’s greatest height,
Filled by Him who unites. Filled by Him!