Page:Five Pieces of Runic Poetry.djvu/50

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[ 29 ]

We fought with swords: we enjoyed the fight, when we sent the inhabitants of Helsing to the habitation of the gods[1]. We sailed up the Vistula. Then the sword acquired spoils: the whole ocean was one wound: the earth grew red with reeking gore: the sword grinned at the coats of mail: the sword cleft the shields asunder.

We fought with swords: I well remember that no one fled that day in the battle before in the ships Herauder fell. There does not a fairer warrior divide the ocean with his vessels. * * * This prince ever brought to the battle a gallant heart.

  1. Literally, “to the hall of Odin.”