This poem shows that the people were
preparing to defend their right by force in the spirit of Bj?rnson's
often quoted words in his electoral campaign speech about the same
time at Sticklestad: "If any one says that the monarchy [the King]
declares it [he] cannot give up the absolute veto, you must answer
openly: 'Then the Norwegian people must give up the monarchy [the
King].'"
Note 74.
WORKMEN'S MARCH. Published in the third edition of 1890, and
written not long before for the Workmen's Union in Christiania. It
is a plea for the universal franchise and party organization.
Vard? = northernmost, Viken and Vinger = southernmost Norway.
Note 75.
THE LAND THAT SHALL BE. See the poem Hamar-made Matches, and notes
thereto.
Note 76.
NORWAY, NORWAY! First published in the edition of 1890. The poet has
himself stated that he wrote it at Aulestad, on being asked to
furnish a song for the flag-procession of boys and girls on the 17th
of May (see Note 4).
Runes in the woodlands, as it were written records of the labors
of past generations.
Note 77.
WHEN COMES THE MORNING? From the novel, ln God's Way, published in
1889.
Note 78.
MAY SEVENTEENTH. In memory of the unveiling of Henrik Wergeland's
statue in Christiania on the 17th of May, 1881, when Bj?rnson also
delivered a great oration. Henrik Arnold Wergeland was born June 17,
1808, in Christiansand, and died August 12, 1845, in Christiania.
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