Matthew Arnold (1822–1888)

ENOUGH of tears, ye Gods, enough of wail!

Not to lament in was Valhalla made.

If any here might weep for Balder’s death

I most might weep, his father; such a son

I lose to-day, so bright, so loved a God!

But he has met that doom which long ago

The Nornies, when his mother bare him, spun,

And fate set seal, that so his end must be.

Balder has met his death, and ye survive!

Weep him an hour; but what can grief avail?

For ye yourselves, ye Gods, shall meet your doom,

All ye who hear me, and inhabit Heaven,

And I too, Odin too, the Lord of all;

But ours we shall not meet, when that day comes,

With woman’s tears and weak complaining cries—

Why should we meet another’s portion so?

Rather it fits you, having wept your hour,

With cold dry eyes, and hearts composed and stern,

To live, as erst, your daily life in Heaven.