And the daughter-in-law kissed the old grandfather, and led him to the great armchair by the table; and she and her husband, who was the son of the old man, and father of the little boy in bed, sat and ate their supper; and the grandfather spoke of the Danish lions and of the Danish hearts, of strength and of gentleness; and quite clearly did he explain that there was another strength besides the power that lies in the sword; and he pointed to the shelf on which were the old books, where stood the plays of Kolberg, which had been read so often, for they were very amusing; one could almost fancy one recognized the people of bygone days in them.

“See, he knew how to strike, too,” said the grandfather; “he scourged the foolishness and prejudice of the people so long as he could.”  And the grandfather nodded at the mirror, above which stood the calendar, with the “Round Tower” [Footnote:  The astronomical observatory at Copenhagen.] on it, and said, “Tycho Brahe was also one who used the sword, not to cut into flesh and bone, but to build up a plainer way among all the stars of heaven.  And then he, whose father belonged to my calling, the son of the figurehead carver, he whom we have ourselves seen, with his silver hairs and his broad shoulders, he whose name is spoken of in all lands!  Yes, he was a sculptor; I am only a carver.  Yes, Holger Danske may come in many forms, so that one hears in every country of Denmark’s strength.  Shall we now drink the health of Bertel?” [Footnote:  Bertel Thorwaldsen, the great Danish sculptor.]

[Illustration:  The figurehead]

But the little lad in the bed saw plainly the old Kronenburgh, with the Oer Sound, and the real Holger Danske, who sat deep below, with his beard grown through the marble table, dreaming of all that happens up here.  Holger Danske also dreamed of the little, humble room where the carver sat; he heard all that passed, and nodded in his sleep, and said: 

“Yes, remember me, ye Danish folk; remember me.  I shall come in the hour of need.”

And without, by the Kronenburgh, shone the bright day, and the wind carried the note of the hunting horn over from the neighboring land; the ship sailed past, and saluted, “Boom! boom!” and from the Kronenburgh came the reply, “Boom! boom!” But Holger Danske did not awake, however loudly they shot, for it was only “Good day” and “Thank you!”

There must be another kind of shooting before he awakes; but he will awake, for there is faith in Holger Danske.

Can you see Holger Danske “clad in iron and steel?” Where have you seen a picture of such clothing?  Is it not curious that his beard is said to have grown into the marble?  He must have been sitting there for many centuries for such a thing to happen!  Do you not understand that the little boy did not know that Holger Danske was in the deep cellar, but merely believed it to be true?  If so, why does the story say he knew it?