FROM THE NORSE.
Sigvald Jarl was a famous Sea Rover, who, when unengaged in his predatory
expeditions, resided at Jomsborg, in Denmark. He was the terror of the
Norwegian coasts, which he ravaged and pillaged almost at his pleasure.
Hacon Jarl, who at that time sat on the Norwegian throne, being informed
that Sigvald meditated a grand descent, and knowing that he himself was
unable to oppose him, had recourse to his God, Thorgerd, to whom he
sacrificed his son Erling. In what manner Thorgerd assisted him and his
forces, when the Danes landed, will best be learned from the bold song
which the circumstance gave rise to, and which the following is a feeble
attempt to translate.
When from our ships we bounded,
I heard, with fear astounded,
The storm of Thorgerd's waking,
From Northern vapours breaking;
With flinty masses blended,
Gigantic hail descended,
And thick and fiercely rattled
Against us there embattled.
To aid the hostile maces,
It drifted in our faces;
It drifted, dealing slaughter,
And blood ran out like water--
Ran reeking, red, and horrid,
From batter'd cheek and forehead;
We plied our swords, but no men
Can stand 'gainst hail and foemen.
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