Tent life with English Gipsies in Norway

Chapter XLVII: Appendix

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PRŒSTEN EILERT SUNDT’S WORKS ON THE NORWEGIAN GIPSIES.

The very important works relating to the Norwegian gipsies which have been compiled and published for the Norwegian Government, by Prœsten Eilert Sundt, are peculiarly interesting, not only as affording the most recent and reliable information regarding this singular people, but from the many details and facts which are noted, as to their modes of life, language, religion, customs, and occupations. The first work, “Beretning om Fante-eller Landstrygerfolket i Norge,” published in Christiania in 1850, followed by another edition, published, Christiania, 1852,[142] contain the results, and the most reliable information that Prœsten Sundt, then a candidate for holy orders, could collect during two years’ patient and persevering research. During this period, he was able to obtain with tolerable accuracy, their probable number, and a great amount of reliable information, relating to their habits, means of existence, and, above all, the prospect of inducing them to abandon their ordinary mode of life. Prœsten Sundt had many facilities to aid him in accomplishing this undertaking, with the sanction and authority of the Norwegian Government. He had free access to all local and public records and documents, and thus had unusual opportunities of satisfying himself, from time to time, and testing the truth and falsehood of the accounts given to him by the gipsies. Again, his clerical character was a ready passport to every village clergyman and Prœstgaard.

Prœsten Sundt describes the Norwegian gipsies as a race of yellowish-brown, black-haired people, having dark, piercing eyes, and who are of foreign and suspicious aspect. Wandering incessantly, up and down the country, they frequent the most devious and solitary roads and ways between Stavanger and Agershuus, and, northwards, away to Throndjhem and Finmark.

Their bands vary in number, and consist of men, women, and children, provided, sometimes, with horses, carts, and some few domestic animals, particularly pigs. They assume the most varied characters, and some of them are tinkers, sievemakers, horsedealers, and horse-doctors, and, in fact, follow many of those occupations generally adopted by the gipsies of every country, as most compatible with a roving life. Prœsten Sundt also states that many are plunderers and robbers, and our own experience has clearly shown, that the gipsies, deservedly or otherwise, have acquired a very indifferent reputation in Norway.[143] They are clearly regarded with far less favour than in England, where the romantic life they lead has furnished endless incidents for the novel, the drama, and the feuilleton of the press. This, and their strange, wandering life, and mysterious origin, may account in some degree for the passing interest they at times create and obtains for them, here and there, _par souffrance_ though it be, occasional shelter and protection. The earliest mention, according to Prœsten Sundt, of the gipsies in Norway, is to be found in an Ordinance of 1589, and he is of opinion that they did not enter by way of Denmark and South Sweden, but through the north of Sweden, and Duchy of Finland; in fact, through North Russia.

Another reason stated by Prœsten Sundt, why the gipsies are regarded with a mixed feeling of fear and aversion, is on account of a belief, of which the Norwegian peasant cannot altogether divest himself, that the foreign-looking “Fanter” has power to bewitch both man and beast.

They invest these wanderers with supernatural powers, a power which has occasionally been attributed to some of the peaceful Laplanders, who dwell in Norwegian Finmark; for Laing says, in his work on Norway, page 411, when referring to the Laplanders, “The idea of witchcraft is not entirely worn out; and the bonder have many tales of the supernatural powers of the old fjelde women.”

Originally, these wanderers were all of pure gipsy blood; but in recent times they have gradually become, in many instances, mixed with a section of the Norwegian population, vagrant outcasts or “Skoiern,” a class which they would at one time have refused all intercourse with; and the result is, the occasional mixture of fair-haired children.

The blending of such a strain of Norwegian blood would not improve, but rather have a deteriorating effect. This has not happened to the same extent in England, where the admixture has often been from those of the better class of the English population, to the proportionate advantage of the gipsy tribe.

Yet, even in England, there is a feeling among gipsies, once still stronger than it is, against mixed marriages, and one of their own people is generally preferred to the gorgios.

Since the beginning of the present century, Norwegian laws relating to gipsies have been made much less stringent, and therefore more easily enforced. The regulations, also, with regard to all persons being required, at a certain age, to know how to read and write, and to be confirmed, has consigned many gipsies to prison, until they were sufficiently instructed, as mentioned at page 301 of this work.

From inquiries made by Prœsten Sundt, it appears that gipsies who remember “the good old times,” deeply lament their admixture with other blood, and formerly, according to their accounts, a gipsy woman who had consorted with a fair-skinned man, became “food for fire;” that is, she was tied to a stake, and burnt. In the case of male offenders, the old gipsy law was less severe; for they were expelled the tribe. His doom--“fallen i brodt”--was pronounced, and he became an outcast for ever.

It would appear that Prœsten Sundt’s efforts to reclaim the Norwegian gipsies met with little success, and he found much which led him to fear, that it is very improbable they will ever adopt the habits of civilised life. An irrepressible desire to wander seems natural to the race; and even their children, adopted and well-treated by farmers and clergymen of the country, generally run away to the woods, in search of their relatives, as soon as they are able. From the accounts given by Prœsten Sundt, it would seem that the Norwegian gipsies are much lower in morality than the gipsies of some other countries. It is a mere chance if they are baptized; they seldom, if ever, frequent church; an impenetrable mystery surrounds the death of their aged people. No Norwegian pastor has ever been present at the burial of a gipsy, unless, indeed, we except such as may have died in prison. Though Prœsten Sundt carefully questioned the gravediggers of the parishes wherever he went, one alone was able to remember that he had once dug a grave for a gipsy.[144]

Nothing being known as to what becomes of their dead, it is not singular that the Norwegian people believe that the gipsies kill their aged parents and relatives, to save themselves the trouble of taking care of them. This conclusion is quite contrary to our own experience of the English gipsies, who exhibit great affection towards their aged people, many of whom have survived to great ages, receiving to the last constant care and attention.[145]

Prœsten Sundt says the gipsies vehemently deny that they kill their old people, but state that, in former days, the aged people killed themselves, and that even yet, weak folk end their days as their fathers did.

It may be imagined by some, that the gipsies may have been of the same race as the nomadic Laplanders, but it is conclusively shown that the Norwegian “Tatare” or “Fantefolket” are not in any way belonging, either in blood, or in language, to the Laplander of Finmark. With regard to language, it is entirely different, and we have extracted from Prœsten Sundt’s work, published in 1852, some words of comparison between the Norwegian gipsy and the Norwegian Lap, having added the synonymous English, English gipsy, Hindee, and Sanscrit words.

From this comparison of words, it appears that the Romany has no resemblance or affinity to the Lap; whilst the similarity of the Norwegian Tater, or gipsy language, to that spoken by the gipsies of all the countries of which examples are given, leaves no doubt that they speak one language, peculiar to themselves.

The Norwegian gipsies are mentioned as a warlike race, travelling with weapons, especially knives, and a dangerous weapon, called “Tjukei.” This weapon, used by the Norwegian gipsies, is most commonly made of Bamboo cane, and is about the length of a walking stick, being covered with hide or leather. The middle of it, where it is held, is covered with brass, and both ends of the “tjukei” are heavily loaded with lead. It is formidable, and a blow from it is often most dangerous. The Norwegian gipsies use this weapon with much skill, twirling it round in their hand with wonderful rapidity, passing it dexterously from one hand to the other, in an almost imperceptible manner, a feat which enables them to continue the combat after an arm is disabled, and also to attack their opponent where it is least expected. The “tjukei” seems to be used in similar manner to the Irish shillaly, with which an Irishman is so expert.

As the Tinklers, or Scottish gipsies, the Norwegian gipsies seem to have had their feuds and disagreements, ending in severe fighting and bloodshed. Their animosity and feelings of revenge were doubly dangerous, from the uncontrolled and strong impulses of their nature, the full extent of which can scarcely be comprehended by a kairengro, or housedweller. Even in England, curious instances of wild revenge have occasionally occurred, resulting in the death of one party. On the occasion of such contentions in Norway, the women often join in the fray, and an instance of the ferocity of the gipsy women is given by Præsten Sundt, as occurring at Ullensaker, some time since, at a fight which took place between two strong bands of Norwegian gipsies, which was long remembered in the district. Two of the gipsy women there fought with such violence and determination, that at last they stood face to face, without a shred of clothes left for their comfort and convenience.

This hostile encounter of Norwegian Tatare is similar to some of the gipsy contests mentioned by Simpson as occurring occasionally between bands of Scotch gipsies; One fight occurred at Rommano, on the 1st October, 1677, between two gipsy clans--the Fawes and the Shawes--about some spoil, after Haddington fair, when old Sandie Fawe and his wife were both killed, and George Fawe dangerously wounded. In the February following, old Robin Shawe and his three sons were hung for killing Sandie Fawe and his wife. Dr. Pennecuik erected on the spot a dove-cote to commemorate the battle, with the following inscription:--

A.D. 1683.
The field of Gipsie blood which here you see,
A shelter for the harmless dove shall be.

Another fierce contest is described as having occurred in the spring of the year 1772 or 1773, the battle originating from the encroachments of one tribe on the district assigned to another, the fertile source of many gipsy quarrels.

This battle happened near Hawick, and, according to Simpson, the celebrated Alexander Kennedy, a handsome, athletic man, at the head of his tribe, with little Wull Ruthven, the father-in-law of Kennedy, and commonly known over the country as the Earl of Hell, and Muckle Wull Ruthven, a man of uncommon stature and personal strength, with Kennedy’s wife, Jean Ruthven, and a great number of inferior members of the clan, males and females, including children, were opposed to old Robert Tait, Chieftain of his horde, whose forces consisted of Jacob Tait, young Robert Tait, three of Tait’s sons-in-law, Jean Gordon, old Tait’s wife, and a train of youths of both sexes, of various ages, composing his family adherents. The whole of the gipsies were armed with cudgels, except some of the Taits, who carried cutlasses, and pieces of iron hoop, notched and serrated, and fixed at the end of sticks.

This fray appears to have been prolonged with desperate determination, both parties observing silence, and nothing being heard but the heavy rattle of their sticks, till at last the Earl, who had retired to get his wounds dressed, seeing his daughter, Kennedy’s wife, dreadfully wounded, lost heart, and, with the rest of his party, fled, leaving Kennedy alone, with the infuriated Taits striking at him on all sides. Kennedy, who handled his cudgel with extraordinary dexterity, judiciously retreated to the narrow bridge of Hawick, where he was severely pressed by the Taits, and there is little doubt they would have killed him, but for his advantageous position. With one powerful sweep of his cudgel, he disarmed two of the Taits, and felled another to the ground. Kennedy’s determined stand, single-handed, without a follower left, against all the Taits, excited a warm interest and sympathy in his favour among the inhabitants of the town, who had witnessed the conflict with amazement and horror. When Kennedy broke a cudgel on his enemies with his powerful arm, they handed him another, till at length a party of constables arrived to his relief, and apprehended the Taits; but as none of the gipsies were actually slain, the Taits were afterwards set at liberty. In this battle, it was said that every gipsy, except Alexander Kennedy, the brave chief, was severely wounded. Simpson remarks, that what astonished the inhabitants, was the fierce and stubborn disposition of the gipsy females, who, when they were knocked down senseless to the ground, rose again with redoubled vigour and energy for the fight. This conflict was called by the English gipsies, the “Battle of the Bridge.”

Many other instances could be given with regard to gipsy contests; but enough is before the reader to show that the wild, lawless life of the Norwegian gipsies was formerly equalled by those of Great Britain, especially in Scotland, where they often carried arms, and in some instances, their bands were attached to some noble house, from whom they derived occasionally protection. It is a peculiar feature of their history, that in almost every country through which they wandered, they have at times drawn upon themselves the strongest hostility of the administrators of the law, and very often a policy of extermination; yet they have still managed to survive, as a distinct people, still clinging to many of their hereditary usages and nomadic habits with singular tenacity.

Prœsten Sundt observes, that it is strange, living, as they do, in small detached bands, they should still retain so many usages, traditions, and habits in common. The true reason he conceives to be, that their meetings are more frequent than we could suppose possible.

On the authority of an old gipsy, he states that when a band comes to cross roads, they are accustomed to place on the right-hand side of the one they are following, some small twigs of fir, upon which they lay a small stone, in order that the wind may not displace them. Any one passing who does not know the meaning of the sign, either does not attach any importance to it, or, at most, thinks that a child has been there at play. The object of the sign is to show to another band where they may meet with their own people; and it is always of great service to such good “Romany” as may require food and shelter, to be able thus to distinguish the route by the sign called the “patron,” placed at intervals on some gipsy trail.

In the winter, the Norwegian gipsies use another sign, which they make in the snow with their whips. The sign is called by them “faano,” and resembles a sack with the mouth closed.

These two signs are very useful when two bands agree to travel in company; for, in order to avoid attracting attention, they are obliged to have always at least one day’s journey between the two parties; and it is by the aid of these signs, they are able to follow each other with ease. At times, too, messengers pass between the bands, to give timely warning should the authorities he in pursuit of them.

Prœsten Sundt cautiously hesitated to believe this, as well as much which the gipsies told him; but the authority of Borrow upon this subject, and from the practical and certain information we ourselves have gained, as to the use of “patrins,” leave no reason to doubt the truth of the account given by the Norwegian gipsy.

In August, 1855, a royal proclamation, in reference to further efforts to be made to control and reclaim, if possible, all Norwegian and Swedish gipsies, gave additional evidence of the interest with which they were regarded by the authorities, and a large sum of money having been voted by the “Storthing,” Prœsten Sundt was enabled to publish his work, “Forsat Beretning om Fantefolket.” Christiania: 1859.[147] In this work the author gives most minute particulars concerning the success of his efforts, and quotes the cases of upwards of four hundred individuals, who had been maintained at the charge of the State, during the years 1855-9, at a comparatively trifling expense. The children had also, in most cases, been placed with peasant families. Prœsten Sundt gives a vivid picture of the vicissitudes in life of the gipsies, who, however, cannot be said to be neglected by the authorities. In 1862, Prœsten Sundt issued a small volume, entitled “Anden Aars Beretning om Fantefolket,” which contains many interesting and additional particulars relative to the Norwegian gipsies. This was followed by a Special Report of 56 pages, issued in 1863, and a small volume of 113 pages, published in 1865, both relating to the Norwegian gipsies.

II.

Tabulated Comparison of the Norwegian gipsy (Tatersprog), and
the English gipsy (Romanes), showing the similarity of many
words in the two languages, notwithstanding the early separation
of this people, in detached hordes, in two distinct kingdoms.

--------------------+---------------------+------------------------------
PRŒSTEN SUNDT’S | ENGLISH GIPSY. | ENGLISH.
NORWEGIAN GIPSY. | |
--------------------+---------------------+------------------------------
Ava | Av, Avel, Avellin | To come, coming
Bal | Bal | Hair
Balo | Balo | {Pig, swine
| | {Balo Shero, pig’s head
Balivas | Balivas | Bacon
Bar | Bar | Stone
Baro | Boro | Great, fine
Barvaló | Barvelo | Wealth, much
Basscha | Bosch | {Fiddle, to play
| | {Boshamengro, a fiddler
Beng | Beng | The devil
Berro | Bairo | Boat
Besscha | Besh, Beschellay | To sit, sitting
Bittan | Bitty, Bitta | Little
But | {But, Bootsee,} | Much
| {Kissy, Koosee,} |
Dad | Dad | Father
Deia | Daya, Day | Mother
Devel | Dovel, Duvel | God
Diklo | Dicklo | Handkerchief
Dives | Divus | {The day
| | {Cushty divus, good day
Doschta | Doosta | Enough
Drabb | Drabengro | Doctor (one who dispenses
| | medicine)
Dromin | Drom | Road, way
Dummo | Dummo | {The back; Dumo, Turkish
| | { gipsy for back.
Dur | Dur | Long
Döi | Doi | There
Ful | Full | Dirt
Gav | Gav | {Village
| | {Boro gav, town
Giv | Giv | {Corn
| | {Givengro, farmer
Grasni | Grasny | {Mare
| | {Crashnia (Basque Romany)
Grei | Grei, grye | Horse
Gurni | Gurny | Cow
Ja | Jee, jaw, gel | To go
Jila | Gilee, givelee | Song
Juklo | Jukel, Juklo | Dog
Kas | Kas | Hay
Kei | Kei | Here
Ker | Kair | {House
| | {Kairengro, house-dweller
Kil | Kil | Butter
Kokka | {Hokerpen} | A lie, falsehood
| {Hokapen } |
Kokkero | Kokero | Self
Kolliva | Ollivaws | Stockings
Kalo | Calo | Black
| | {Letter, a writing; chinomengree
Lil | Lil | { also used in English
| | { gipsy for letter
Lon | Lon | Salt
Lovo | Lovo | Money
Ma | Maw | Not
Maro | Moro | Bread
Mas | Mass | {Meat
| | {Moolo mas, carrion
Möi | Mouee | Mouth
Matejo | Matcho, Matchee | {Fish
| | {Macho (Basque Romany)
Mommali | Mumlee | Candle
Mors | Moosh | Man
Mulo | Moolo | Dead
Mussi | Moschee | The arm
Nak | Nok | Nose
Nav | Nav | Name
Pab | Pob | {Apples
| | {Pobengree, cider
Pani | Panee | Water
Parikka | Parik | To thank
Patron | Patrin | {Leaf-signal
| | {Patrin (Turkish Romany) leaf
Pi | Pi | To drink
Piro | Peero | The foot
Piri | Piri | Pot or kettle
Por | Por | Feather
Pral | Pal | Brother
Puro | {Puro } | {Old
| {Puru (feminine)} | {Phuro (Turkish Romany)
Pœna | Pen | Sister
Rakra | Rocker | To talk
Rakli | Rackly | Girl
Rankano | Rye | Gentleman
Rani | Rawnee | Lady
Rasscho | Rashei | Priest
Rat | Rat | Blood
Ratti | Ratti | Night
Rup | Rup | Silver
Schelano | Shillino | Cold
Schero | Schero | Head
Siva | Siv | To sow
Sonneka | Soonakey | Gold
Stadi | Stardy | Hat
Summin | Simmin | Soup
Tatto | Tatto | Warm
Tjavo | Chavo | A child
Tjei | Kei | A girl
Tjumma | Chuma | A kiss
Trash | Trash | Fear
Tud | Tud | Milk
| | {The hand
Vascht | {Vastee, Vast,} | {Basta (Basque Romany)
| {Vastro } | {Vast (Turkish Romany)
Vesch | Vesh | Wood, forest

The foregoing comparison of the gipsy language (Romanes), as spoken by the Norwegian and English gipsies, will probably be sufficient to satisfy our reader that both languages are the same.

Long as their separation has been, from whatever portion of the world they came, the Norwegian and English gipsies are evidently one and the same people.

The circumstances and causes which have separated and scattered this singular people in detached hordes, to be wanderers in the midst of civilisation, at present remains an impenetrable mystery.

III.

The following table of comparison of Romany numerals, which we have arranged, may be interesting. The English gipsy numerals are completed to ten, partly from Bryant’s collection of English gipsy words, published in the “Annual Register” of 1785. We do not know any instance of an English author, since that date, obtaining from the English gipsies, Romany numerals so high as ten. Hoyland, in his work, published in 1818, gives a list from Grellmann, whose work was translated into English by Raper, in 1785. Hoyland also gives some examples from Bryant, but only verifies, from his own research, the gipsy numerals up to five, and the numeral ten. Crabb, the gipsies’ friend, who published a work in 1818, gives examples of gipsy numerals from Grellmann, Hoyland, and Captain Richardson. No other succeeding authors appear to have been able to make up their list of English gipsy numerals to ten, without having recourse to Bryant or Grellmann. Simpson, who has written an interesting work upon the Scotch gipsies, a work evidently the result of much patient research, gives the Scotch gipsy numerals as far as ten; but, after six, the remaining numbers given have evidently no affinity to the Romany language. Either the gipsies, not knowing the numerals to ten, gave him wrong words, or he mistook the sound. Although many words of the language may have been gradually lost, we can only wonder how they have managed to preserve, through all their wanderings, hardships, and difficulties, this link, fragmental though it be, to an early past, in some long-forgotten land, whence they originally came.

TABULATED COMPARISON OF GIPSY NUMERALS.

+----------+------------+------------+----------+-----------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+--------------+------------+---------------------+----------+
| Bryant’s | Sundt’s | Sundt’s | Borrow’s | Borrow’s | English | Hoyland’s | Simpson’s | Grellman. | Polock’s | Paspati’s | Paspati’s | Hindostance. | Hindee. | Sanscrit. | English. |
| English | Norwegian | Lithuanian | Spanish | Hungarian | Gipsy. | English | Scotch | | Sanscrit. | Turkish | Asiatic | | | | |
| Gipsy, | Tatersprog | Tatersprog | Gipsy. | Gipsy. | | Gipsy. | Gipsy. | | | Gipsy. | Gipsy. | | | | |
| 1785. | or Gipsy. | or Gipsy. | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
+----------+------------+------------+----------+-----------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+--------------+------------+---------------------+----------+
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Ēkŭ (mas.) | |
| Yec. | Jikk | Jek | Yeque | Jek | Yek | Yake | Yalk | Ick | Eka | Yek | Yúka | Ēk | Ēk | Ēkā (fem.) | One |
| | | | | | | | | Ek | | | | | | Ēkŭṅ (neu.)[148] | |
+----------+------------+------------+----------+-----------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+--------------+------------+---------------------+----------+
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Dwi (crude) | |
| Due. | Dy | Dui | Dui | Dui | Dui | Duée | Duie | Duj | Dui | Dui | Di | Dŏ | Dō | Dwau (m. and f. | Two |
| | | | | | Doi | | | Doj | | | Didi | | | Dwē (neu.) | |
+----------+------------+------------+----------+-----------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+--------------+------------+---------------------+----------+
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Trŭe | Tri (crude) | |
| Trin. | Trin | Trin | Trin | Trin | Trin | Trin | Trin | Trin | Tri | Trin | Dun | Teen | (like try) | Trŭgŭ (mas.) | Three |
| | Drill | | | | | | | Tri | | | | | Tri | Trisŭ (fem.) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Treeni (neu.) | |
+----------+------------+------------+----------+-----------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+--------------+------------+---------------------+----------+
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Chŭtoor (crude.) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | Ishtár | | | | Chŭtwārŭ (mas.) | |
| Stor. | Shtar | Schtaar | Estar | Schtar | Stor | Stor | Tor | Schtar | Chater | Shtár | Ishtar | Chār | Chār | Chŭtŭsū (fem.) | Four |
| | | | | | Star | | | Star | | Star | Shtái | | | Chŭtwāree (neu.) | |
+----------+------------+------------+----------+-----------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+--------------+------------+---------------------+----------+
| | | | | | Pansch | | | | | | | | | | |
| Peng. | Pansch | Pantsch | Pansche | Pansch | Peng | Pan | Punch | Pantsch | Pancha | Pantch | Pentch | Pãnch | Pŭnch | Pŭnch | Five |
| | | | | | Panj | | Fo | Pansch | | Pandj | | | | | |
+----------+------------+------------+----------+-----------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+--------------+------------+---------------------+----------+
| | | | | | | | | Tschowe | | | | Chhŭh | | | |
| Sho. | Sink | Shoov | Job | Tschov | Sho | -- | Shaigh | Schow | Shat | Sho | Shesh | Khŭt | Khŭt | Shŭsh (crude) | |
| | | | Zoi | | Shov | | | Sof | | Shov | | Shŭt | Shŭt | Khŭt} (mas. fem. | Six |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | Shŭsh | | Shŭt} and neu.) | |
+----------+------------+------------+----------+-----------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+--------------+------------+---------------------+----------+
| | Schuh, | | | | | | | | | | | Sāt | | | |
| Afta. | more often | Efta | Hefta | Efta | Afta | -- | Naivairn | Efta | Sapta | Eftá | Hoft | Hŭft | Sāt | Sŭptŭṅ (crude) | Seven |
| | Sytt | | | | | | | | | | | Sŭpt | Sŭpt | Sŭpt (m. f. and n.) | |
+----------+------------+------------+----------+-----------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+--------------+------------+---------------------+----------+
| | | | | | | | | | | | | Āth | | | |
| Oitoo. | Okto | Ochto | Otor | Ochto | Oitoo | -- | Naigh | Ochto | Ashta | Okhtó | Háisht | Ŭsht | Āth | Ushtŭṅ | Eight |
| | | | | | | | Luften | | | Ohtó | | Hŭsht | Ŭsht | | |
+----------+------------+------------+----------+-----------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+--------------+------------+---------------------+----------+
| | Engja, | | | | | | | | | Enéa | | | | | |
| Enneah | often | Enja | Esnia | Enija | Euneah | -- | Line | Enja | Nava | Enia | Néya | Nou | Mŭvŭ | Nŭvŭṅ (crude) | Nine |
| | Nin | | | | | | | Eija | | Iniya | Nu | Nŭh | Nau | Nŭvŭ (m. f. & n.) | |
+----------+------------+------------+----------+-----------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+--------------+------------+---------------------+----------+
| Desh. | Tin | Desch | Deque | Dōsch | Desh | Dyche | Nay | Desch | Dasa | Desh | Dez | Dŭs | Dŭs | Dŭsŭn (crude) | Ten |
| | | | | | | | | Des | | Des | Dest | | | Dŭs (m. f. and n.) | |
+----------+------------+------------+----------+-----------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+--------------+------------+---------------------+----------+

IV.

THE NORWEGIAN POET’S MORTGAGE OR PANTEBREV.

Eg er, som vel Du veit, ein Fjellets Mann,
og derfor dreg til Fjells, so tidt eg kan,
at friska meg paa Fly og bratte Bryn,
og sjaa ikring meg alle store Syn.

Men efter som eg meir paa Alder steig,
og Foten mindre lett frametter seig,
so laut eg soleids sveiva meg og snu,
at eg i Jötunheimen fekk ei Bud,
der eg ein Maanads Tid kan liva vel
og styrkja millom Fjellom Skrott og Sjel.

Eg plassen valde, etter Syn pan mange
ved Bygdins vestre Ende paa ein Tange.
Fraa logne Heim, der ser Du Tinder vaja,
og Sletmarkhö, som likjest Himalaya.
Med kvite Lokkar stend ho som i Tankar
so nett som hægsta Tinden Gaurisankar.

Eg tri fekk med meg til det Byggjeverk,
men endaa er min Pung so litet sterk
at ikke eg, som er ein afsett Kar,
kan löysa in min Part i denne Gard.
Fem Daler hadd’ eg, so var Pungen tom,
og fem og tjuge er den heile Sum.
Men dette vantad Tjug til Samskotslag,
det fekk af Konsul Heftye eg idag.
For dette og den gode Viljen sin
eg gev’n Pant i denne Garden min.

So, om eg döyr, hel dreg af Landet ut,
so eig i Garden han den fjorde Lut,
imot at han fem Daler legger af
til deim, som paa mit Bu kan hava Krav
forutan Alt, som etter Svärt paa Kvitt,
paa Garden kostad verdt i Navnet mitt,
i Fall han ikkje vil, som hender tidt,
til Andre selja dette pantet sit,
og draga pantesummen derifraa
hjaa deim, som Garden etter Auktion faa,
Til kvert eit Nytaar fæer han Renta plent,
i Kongens Mynt med Retten fem procent.

Og so han hev for Gud og Retten sin
der fyrste Pant i Eidsbu Garden min
som vel er ny, men derfor god som gyld,
og fær nok Numer og Matrikulskyld,
og so i Thingets Bok eit serskilt Rum
paa lange, store mugne Folium.
Og saa som Vitne stend her, daa til Svars
Voldmester Thjöme, Archivaren Sars,
som eiga Garden etter Lod og Linje
isaman med med meg--AASMUND OLSEN VINGE.[149]

Christiania, 28de November, 1868.
Til Vitterlighed:
H. J. THJÖME. E. SARS.

Læst, extraheret, og protokolleret ved Maanedsthinget for Vang og Slidre Thinglag den 16de December, 1868. Det bemærkes at Debitor ei erfares at have thinglæst Hjemmel paa Pantet, ligesom det ei kan erfares at være skydsat eller at henhöre under noget Brug, hvorfor nærværende Dokument er bleven extraheret paa Vangs Sameies Folium.

For Thingl og Anm, 60--sexti skill.

ENGELSCHJÖN.

TRANSLATION OF THE NORWEGIAN POET’S MORTGAGE, OR PANTEBREV.

THE MORTGAGE.

I am, as well you know, a man of the mountains,
And therefore go to the Fjelds as oft as I can,
To freshen myself on craig or broad hillside,
And look around to see as far as I can.

But as I find I’m getting on in years,
And that I am not so fleet of foot as I was,
I lie and bask in the sun, and think
That I should like a hut in Jötunheim,[150]
Where I could live well for a month’s space,
And strengthen body and soul among the fjelds.

I chose the spot, after looking at many,
With the west end of the hut upon a tongue of land.
From the little hut you see the peaks so lofty,
And Sletmarkhö, so much like Himalaya.
Bareheaded, thus I stood in contemplation,
On mighty Gaurisankar’s highest peak.

I took three with me for this building work;
But then my purse is so extremely light,
That I, who am but an humble fellow,
Cannot pay my share in this property.
I had five dollars--so light was my purse,
And five-and-twenty was the sum required.
But this much wanted, twenty in the total,
I got to-day from Mr. Consul Heftye.
For this, and for his kind goodwill,
I give a mortgage on this house of mine.
So, if I die, or if I leave the land,
He shall possess the fourth part of the house
On paying down five dollars to the man
Who may have any claim upon my hut,
Excepting all that, as the receipt does show,
Was spent upon the house in my own name,
In case he will not, as ofttimes occurs,
Sell this, his mortgage, to another man,
Deducting the amount of the mortgage from
That which the house will fetch when sold by
Auction. With each new year he interest shall
Receive, in Royal coin, at legal five per cent.

And thus, before God and the law, he has
The first mortgage on this isthmus house of mine,
Which is quite new, and, therefore, good as gold,
And shall have number and matriculation,
And have a space allotted in the books of the
Court, in their great big, musty folios.
As witnesses appear the Dike inspector,
Thjöme, and the Keeper of the Archives, Sars,
Who own a share and portion in the house,
Together with myself--AASMUND OLSEN VINGE.

Christiania, 28th November, 1868.
Witnesses:
H. J. THJÖME. E. SARS.

Read, extracted, and protocolled at the Monthly Court for the district of Vang and Slidre, the 16th December, 1868.

It is observed, that the debtor is not aware of having produced any proof of the mortgage; neither can it be ascertained that it has been taxed, or that it belongs to any custom, for which reason this document was extracted on the folio for joint ownership for Vang.

* * * * *

For production and entry, 60--sixty skil.

ENGELSCHJÖN.

We have thought it well to insert in the Appendix, the following notice from J. P. Laurent’s “Livet i Felten,”[151] relative to Mr. Bennett, so well known to almost every tourist and sportsman who has visited Christiania during the last twenty years; and to those of our readers who have chanced to linger in the quaint old rooms at 17, Store Strandgade, mentioned at page 52 of this work, the notice may probably have an additional interest.

“Til min store Sorg erfoer jeg her, at vor Engelskmand under mit Ophold i Kolding havde forladt Korpset og var dragen til Norge, som han pludselig havde faaet Lyst til at see. Da jeg anseer det meget uvist, om han atter faaer Lyst til at vende tilbage hertil, ved Udgangen af Vaabenstilstanden, og om han overhovedet nogensinde kommer tilbage til Danmark, baaber jeg ikke, at jeg begaaer en Indiskretionsfejl ved at navngive dette Menneske, der med saamegen Interesse personlig har fulgt vor Sag i over et halvt Aar. Da han paa Udrejsen bad Obersten om et maatte folge Korpset som civil Ledsager, naturligviis uden at staae i nogetsomhelst Forpligtelsesforhold til Korpset, tilbod han sig at assistere Lœgerne, og, efterat han var bleven Almindelig kjendt, kaldte Karlene ham ‘den Engelske Doktor.’ Han hed T. Bennett og Kaldte sig for Spög: Voluntary assistant to the medical officers of the Danish army. Inden han forlod Korpset var han afholdt af Alle paa Grund af sin godmodige Characteer og utrættelige Tjenstvillighed imod Alle. Ved Retiraden fra Nörre Maestrup efter det natlige Overfald laa en af vore Jægere syg i den Gaard, Fjenderne havde omringet, og var ganske sikkert bleven fangen, hvis ikke Bennett havde taget ham paa sin Ryg og slœbt afsted med ham, saalœnge han Kunde.--Paa Maeschen[152] (_sic_) vandrede han bestandig paa sin Fod, skjöndt man ikke vilde have nœgtet ham Plads paa Bagagevognene, og paa lœngere Toure tog han ofte Gevœret eller Tornystren fra de Trœtteste og bar det ufertrödent.--Naar det var, at vi laae i Bivouak, eller i lœngere Tid maatte staae opstillede paa et eller ander Sted uden at turde forlade samme, ilede Bennett stedse omkring og forskaffede, hvad han kunde, til at vedergvœge Obersten og Officererne med, og stedse bar han til det Öjemed et Par Flasker Viin i sin Tornyster. Man kunde vedblive at fortœlle mange lignende Exempler paa den Hengivenhed, hvormed han fölte sig knyttet til vort Korps, og den rastlöse Iver, hvormed han strœbte efter at tjene Alle, og vi vare Alle enige om, at han fortjente en offentlig Udemœrkelse.

“Den nœrmere Anledning til, at han fulgte med os, samt han noble Adfœrd i den Anledning fortjener ogsaa at omtales. Da Korpset forlod Kjöbenhavn, var det egentlig en Broder til en af de Frivillige, der önskede som Civil at ledsage os, i Begyndelsen rigtignok Kun til Roeskilde, men senere hile Felttoget med. Bennett troede at vœre den Frivilliges Familie nogen Forbindtlighed skyldig og skrev hjem til den, at naar den yngre Broder maatte gaae med, vilde han, Bennett, bestandig ledsage denne og fölge ham hjem, naar han selv vilde. Og da den yngre Broder forlod Korpset i Ejstrup i Begyndelsen af Juli Maaned, ledsagede Bennett ham ganske rigtigen til Kjöbenhavn, og blev i den Anledning forsynet med en sœrdeles smigrende Skrivelse fra vor Oberst. Men neppe var Bennett kommen til Kjöbenhavn, förend han uopfordret löb omkring til Officierernes Familier og bragte Hilsener fra Mœnd og Slœgtninge, og derpaa vendte han tilbage til Armeen og bragte os en Deel personlige Hilsener fra Hjemmet. Inden han blev mere bekjendt, paadrog han sig flere Ubehageligheder. Paa Als blev han antagen for en Spion, og i Haderslev vilde Politiet absolut arrestere ham som Friskaremand til Engelskmandens store Fornöjelse. Selv Karlene ansaae dette lange Menneske med stort, rödligt Skjœg og hvidt Halstörklœde for en förloben tydsk Haandvœrkssvend og holdt Öje med ham paa Marschen, indtil, de lœrte ham bedre at Kjende.--Endelig bör jeg ogsaa ömtale, at han er Forfatter af de engelske Vers og Krirgssange, som i afvigte Sommer fandtes indrykkede i den _Berlingske Tidende_.”

TRANSLATION.

“To my great sorrow, I here learn that our Englishman, during my stay at Kolding, has left the corps, and gone to Norway, as if he had suddenly formed a wish to see it. As I consider his return very uncertain previous to the expiring of the armistice, or whether he will revisit Denmark at all; whether or no, I wish to mention the person who has supported our cause with such personal interest for more than half a year. When he first arrived, the Colonel asked him whether he would accompany the army in the capacity of a civil officer, of course without any military obligation towards the corps. He volunteered his assistance in the medical department, and, after remaining some time with us, and becoming generally known, the men called him ‘the English Doctor.’ After this, T. Bennett sportively called himself ‘Voluntary Assistant to the Medical Officers of the Danish Army.’ Although he has left the corps, he was esteemed by every one, on account of his kindly character and earnest desire to be useful to everyone. On the retreat from Nörre Maestrup, after the nocturnal attack, one of our Jägers was lying in a yard; the enemy had surrounded it, and he was certain of being taken prisoner, had not Bennett carried him off on his back, and trudged away with him as far as he could. On the march he was always on foot, notwithstanding that he might have had a place on the baggage waggons, and on longer expeditions he would frequently take muskets or knapsacks from the weary, and carry them forward. When we happened to be lying in bivouac, or were forced to stop in any place, without daring to advance or recede, Bennett always went with the Colonel and officers to reconnoitre, for which purpose he carried a couple of bottles of wine in his knapsack. Many similar instances might be related of the devotion with which he felt himself bound to our army corps, and of his ardent zeal to be useful to all, and how all our men loved him. He deserved a public distinction.

“On the last occasion he accompanied us, his noble behaviour again deserves an excellent report. When the corps first left Copenhagen, there was a brother of one of our volunteers, who wished to accompany us in a civil capacity, and, indeed, reached Roeskilde sufficiently, but his health broke down at the review. Bennett deemed it his duty towards the volunteer’s family to write, that if the younger brother should join, he would be a companion to him, and bring him home if he wished it. And when the younger brother left the army, at Ejstrup, in the beginning of the month of July, Bennett most kindly went with him to Copenhagen, and, provided with a most flattering letter from the Colonel, was to remain there. Scarcely, however, had Bennett reached Copenhagen, ere he, unsolicitedly, visited the officers’ families, bringing greetings from friends and kindred, after which he immediately returned to the army, with many personal messages from home.

“Until he had become better known, he had many annoyances. At Als he was taken for a spy, and in Hadersleben the police actually wanted to arrest him, to the Englishman’s great amusement. Our men even looked upon the tall man, with his fair beard and white neckerchief, as a German mechanic who had deserted, and kept an eye on him while on the march, until they learned to know him better.

“I should also finally mention, that he is the author of the English poem and war songs, which I found last summer printed in the _Berlingske Tidende_.”

THE END.

_The following Works are advertised by the Author of “Tent Life
in Norway” at his own expense, as either relating to the scenes
of his travels, or to subjects connected with his book, or from
a feeling of personal interest, and a wish to promote their
authors’ success._

HOW TO SEE NORWAY. By JOHN R. CAMPBELL. London: LONGMANS, GREEN & CO. 1871.

THE PLAYGROUND OF EUROPE. By LESLIE STEPHEN, late President of the Alpine Club.

London: LONGMANS, GREEN & CO., Paternoster Row.

LAST RAMBLES AMONGST THE INDIANS OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS AND THE ANDES. By GEORGE CATLIN, Author of “Life Amongst the Indians,” &c., &c.

London: SAMPSON LOW, SON & MARSTON, Milton House, Ludgate Hill. 1868.

THE SEVERN VALLEY: A SERIES OF SKETCHES DESCRIPTIVE AND PICTORIAL, OF THE COURSE OF THE SEVERN, &C. By J. RANDALL.

London: JAMES S. VIRTUE, City Road and Ivy Lane. 1862.

A POET’S DAY-DREAMS. By HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN, Author of “Pictures of Sweden,” “Improvisatore.”

London: RICHARD BENTLEY, New Burlington Street. 1853.

INVESTIGATIONS IN THE THEORY OF REFLECTED-RAY SURFACES, AND THEIR RELATION TO PLANE REFLECTED CAUSTICS. Also in the APPENDIX, a Theory of Plane Caustic Curves, identified with the Evolute of the Auxiliary Curve of Equiangular Intersection. By the Rev. G. F. CHILDE, M.A., Mathematical Professor in the South African College, Cape of Good Hope.

Cape Town: Published by J. C. JUTA, Wale Street. 1858.

ON RELATED CAUSTICS OF REFLECTION, AND THE EVOLUTE OF THE LEMNISCATA, AS DERIVED FROM A CAUSTIC OF THE HYPERBOLA. By the Rev. G. F. CHILDE, M.A.

Cape Town: Published by J. C. JUTA, Wale Street. 1859.

SINGULAR PROPERTIES OF THE ELLIPSOID, AND ASSOCIATED SURFACES OF THE NORTH DEGREE. Dedicated by permission to his Royal Highness Prince ALFRED. By the Rev. G. F. CHILDE, M.A., author of “Ray Surfaces,” “Related Caustics,” &c., Mathematical Professor in the South African College, Member of the Board of Public Examiners at the Cape of Good Hope.

MACMILLAN & CO., Cambridge; J. C. JUTA, Cape Town.

THE RELIQUARY: A DEPOSITORY FOR PRECIOUS RELICS, LEGENDARY, BIOGRAPHICAL, AND HISTORICAL. Edited by LLEWELLYNN JEWITT, F.S.A., Member of the Archæological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland, &c., &c.

London: JOHN RUSSELL SMITH, 36, Soho Square; Derby: BENROSE & SONS, Irongate.

BISHOP PERCY’S FOLIO MANUSCRIPT BALLADS AND ROMANCES. Edited by JOHN W. HALES, M.A., Fellow and late Assistant Tutor of Christ’s College, Cambridge, and FREDERICK J. FURNIVAL, M.A., of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, assisted by Professor CHILD, of Harvard University, U.S., W. CHAPPEL, Esq., &c.

London: N. TRÜBNER & CO., 60, Paternoster Row. 1867.

SOUTH AMERICAN SKETCHES; OR, A VISIT TO RIO JANIERO, THE ORGAN MOUNTAINS, LA PLATA, AND THE PARANA. By THOMAS WOODBINE HINCHCLIFF, M.A., F.R.G.S., Author of “Summer Months Among the Alps.”

London: LONGMAN, GREEN, LONGMAN, ROBERTS & GREEN. 1863.

SCENES FROM THE SNOW-FIELDS; BEING ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE UPPER ICE-WORLD OF MONT BLANC, from Sketches made on the spot in the years 1856, 1857, 1858. With Historical and Descriptive Remarks, and a Comparison of the Chamonix and St. Gervais routes. By EDMUND T. COLEMAN.

“But the feeding of rivers and the purifying of winds are the least of the services appointed to the hills. To fill the thirst of the human heart for the beauty of God’s working--to startle its lethargy with the deep and pure agitation of astonishment--are their higher missions. They are as great and noble architecture; first giving shelter, comfort, and rest; and covered also with mighty sculpture and painted legend.”--RUSKIN.

The Views lithographed and printed in colours by VINCENT BROOKS.

London: LONGMAN, BROWN, GREEN, LONGMANS & ROBERTS. 1859.

THE HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF CHARNWOOD FOREST. By T. R. POTTER. With an APPENDIX on the GEOLOGY, BOTANY, and ORNITHOLOGY of the District. The Geology by J. B. JUKES, Esq., M.A., F.G.S. The Botany by the Rev. ANDREW BLOXAM, M.A., and CHURCHILL BABINGTON, Esq., Scholar of St. John’s College, Cambridge; and the Ornithology by CHURCHILL BABINGTON, Esq.

London: HAMILTON, ADAMS, & CO., Paternoster Row; R. ALLEN, Nottingham; E. ALLEN, Leicester. 1842.

SCRAMBLES AMONGST THE ALPS IN THE YEARS 1860-69. By EDWARD WHYMPER. With five Maps and 120 Illustrations. Second Edition. Price One Guinea.

London: JOHN MURRAY, Albemarle Street.

_Just Published, in 12mo., pages 470, price 16s._

THE LICHEN-FLORA OF GREAT BRITAIN, IRELAND, AND THE CHANNEL ISLANDS. By the Rev. W. A. LEIGHTON, B.A., F.L.S., F.B.S. Edin.

Apply for Copies to the Author, Luciefelde, Shrewsbury, with P.O.O. or cheque, and postage 5d.

_Also by the same Author_,

Price One Guinea to Subscribers, and One Guinea and a Half to Non-Subscribers, A CONSPECTUS OF ALL THE LICHENS HITHERTO DISCOVERED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. With Diagnoses, &c.

Apply for copies to the Author, Rev. W. A. LEIGHTON, Luciefelde, Shrewsbury.

THE BIBLE IN SPAIN. By GEORGE BORROW, Author of “The Gipsies in Spain,” &c.

London: JOHN MURRAY, Albemarle Street. 1861.

HAPPY THOUGHT HALL. By F. C. BURNAND, Esq.

Published by BRADBURY & AGNEW, 10, Bouverie Street, Whitefriars.

THE ART OF TRAVEL; OR, SHIFTS AND CONTRIVANCES AVAILABLE IN WILD COUNTRIES. By FRANCIS GALTON, F.R.G.S., Author of “The Explorers in Tropical South Africa,” and Honorary Secretary to the Royal Geographical Society.

Published by JOHN MURRAY, Albemarle Street.

GUIDE TO THE PYRENEES, FOR THE USE OF MOUNTAINEERS. By CHARLES PACKE. Second Edition, with Map and Illustrations, 7_s._ 6_d._

THE ALPINE GUIDE. By JOHN BALL, M.R.I.A., late President of the Alpine Club. Thoroughly revised Editions, in 3 vols., with Maps and other Illustrations.

GUIDE TO WESTERN ALPS, including Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, and Zermatt, 6_s._ 6_d._

GUIDE TO CENTRAL ALPS, including all the Oberland District, 7_s._ 6_d._

GUIDE TO EASTERN ALPS, price 10_s._ 6_d._

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