INTERLUDE. AND then the blue-eyed Norseman told "There is," said he, "a wondrous book And in each pause the story made As an appropriate interlude, Fragments of old Norwegian tunes The strange and antiquated rhymes As over some half-ruined wall, Disjointed and about to fall, Fresh woodbines climb and interlace, And keep the loosened stones in place. THE MUSICIAN'S TALE. THE SAGA OF KING OLAF. I. THE CHALLENGE OF THOR. I AM the God Thor, I am the War God, I am the Thunderer! Here in my Northland, Here amid icebergs Rule I the nations; This is my hammer, Miölner the mighty; Giants and sorcerers These are the gauntlets Wherewith I wield it, And hurl it afar off; This is my girdle ; Whenever I brace it, Strength is redoubled! The light thou beholdest Stream through the heavens, In flashes of crimson, Is but my red beard Blown by the night-wind, Affrighting the nations! Jove is my brother; Mine eyes are the lightning; The wheels of my chariot Roll in the thunder, The blows of my hammer Ring in the earthquake! |