The Hail Storm {14}

As in Horunga haven We fed the crow and raven, I heard the tempest breaking Of demon Thorgerd's waking; Sent by the fiend in anger, With din and stunning clangor; To crush our might intended, Gigantic hail descended.

A pound the smallest pebble Did weigh, and others treble; It drifted, dealing slaughter, And blood ran out like water, Ran recking, red and horrid, From battered cheek and forehead; But, though so rudely greeted, No Jornsberg man retreated.

With anger ever sharper, Thorgerda fierce, and Yrpr, Shot lightning from each finger, Which sped and did not linger. Then sank our brave in numbers To cold, eternal slumbers; There lay the good and gallant, Renowned for warlike talent.

To bide the storm unable Our chieftain hewed his cable, And with his ship departed-- We follow, broken-hearted; For in Horunga haven Our bravest feed the raven; We did our best, but no men Can stand 'gainst hail and foemen.