THE SONG OF THE SKALD.

FAR away,

Far away in the Northland,

Down by the roaring sea

Wandered a woman.

On the sea,

On the ever-foaming water,

Sought her eyes the sails of the war-ships,

The war-ships that came no more.

Loud she cried,

"O ye waves, bear me back my children !"

But the sea dashed up to her feet,

And the waves no answer gave.

Two young kings,

Sons of the same great father,

Brothers in blood and arms,

Joined in the battle.

Two young kings,

Sons of the same fair mother,

Lay on the field of battle,

Lain to sleep with swords.

Far away,

Far away in the Northland,

Down by the moaning sea,

Lies the form of a woman.

Slow, slow, slow,

Creep the waves up the beach toward her,

And they toy with her long, gold hair,

Gold as the summer sunbeam.

Roar, ye waves!

Roar the death-song of Kriemhilde!

For she was the mother of kings,

The daughter of princes.

STULTUS.