Death Of The Old Sea King. 39

The sluggish blood in the old man's veins With sudden vigor stirred.

"I hear them call," cried the dying man, His eyes grew full of light; "Now bring me here my warrior robes, My sword and armor bright.

"In the tempest's lull I heard a voice, I knew 'twas Odin's call. The Valkyrs are gathering round my bed To lead me unto his hall.

"Bear me unto my noblest ship, Light up a funeral pyre; I'll walk to the palace of the braves Through a path of flame and fire."

Oh! wild and bright was the stormy light That flashed from the old man's eye, As they bore him from the couch of death To his battle-ship to die,

And lit with many a mournful torch The sea-king's dying bed, And like a banner fair and bright The flames around him spread.

40 SAVE THE BOYS.

But they heard no cry of anguish Break through that fiery wall, With rigid brow and silent lips He was seeking Odin's hall.

Through a path of fearful splendor, While strong men held their breath, The brave old man went boldly forth And calmly talked with death.

SAVE THE BOYS.

Like Dives in the deeps of Hell I cannot break this fearful spell, Nor quench the fires I've madly nursed, Nor cool this dreadful raging thirst. Take back your pledge--ye come too late! Ye cannot save me from my fate, Nor bring me back departed joys; But ye can try to save the boys.

Ye bid me break my fiery chain, Arise and be a man again,