Where western waves were all unknown
And western fields unsown
When Iceland was the outmost bound
That Viking keels had found
Where Western Waves Were All Unknown
(All Unknown)
Gunbiorn then Ulf Kraka's son
Was forced west to run
By furious gales, and there saw land
Stretching on either hand
Eric, of Iceland, called the Red
Heard of the news and said
'This western land I'll go and see
Three summers hence look out
Look out for me. '
Vestur
Vestur
A wondrous land is this, said he
And called it Greenland of the Sea
Then searched the coast both far and wide
Then back to Iceland o'er the tide
Twenty-and-five great ships sailed west
To claim this gem on ocean's breast
With man and woman, horn and hoof
And begging for the homestead roof
Some turned back in heart but mice
Some sank amid the northern ice
Half reached land in much distress
At Ericsford and Herulfness
Then Leif the son of Eric rose
And straightway to Biarne goes
Buys up his ship, takes all his men
Fares forth to seek that land again
Vestur
Where western waves were all unknown
Vestur
(Who will sing of me?)
Leif found the land, discovered more
And spent a winter on the shore
Named Hella-land and Mark-land too
And saw an island sweet with dew!
And grapes with great abundance found
So named it Vinland all around
But after that forsook the shore
And north again for Greenland bore
And now we cross the moonlit seas
To search this land of grapes and trees
With men and cattle not a few
And household gear and weapons too
And, best of all, with women dear
To comfort, counsel, check, and cheer
Thus far we've made a prosperous way
God speed us onward every day!
Vestur
Vestur
Vestur
Vestur
