Part 11 (1/2)

Men looked to see the King arise, The death of men within his eyes.

Men looked to see his bitter sword That once cleared s.h.i.+ps from board to board.

But in the hall no sword gleamed wide, His hand fell down along his side.

No red there came into his cheek, He fell aback as one made weak.

His wan cheek brushed the high-seat's side, And in the noon of day he died.

So lieth King Gorm beneath the gra.s.s, But from mouth to mouth this tale did pa.s.s.

And Harald reigned and went his way, _So fair upriseth the rim of the sun._ And still is the story told to-day, _So grey is the sea when day is done._

ON THE EDGE OF THE WILDERNESS

PUELLae

Whence comest thou, and whither goest thou?

Abide! abide! longer the shadows grow; What hopest thou the dark to thee will show?

Abide! abide! for we are happy here.

AMANS

Why should I name the land across the sea Wherein I first took hold on misery?

Why should I name the land that flees from me?

Let me depart, since ye are happy here.

PUELLae

What wilt thou do within the desert place Whereto thou turnest now thy careful face?

Stay but a while to tell us of thy case.

Abide! abide! for we are happy here.

AMANS

What, nigh the journey's end shall I abide, When in the waste mine own love wanders wide, When from all men for me she still doth hide?

Let me depart, since ye are happy here.