Etchings in Verse (Underhill)/To Hardy Norsemen

by Andrew Findlay Underhill

THE HARDY NORSEMEN.

SONG.

THE hardy Norsemen meet to-night
 To drain the oaken pail;
Then lay aside your helmets bright,
 And coats of rugged mail;
Bring forth the scald and bid him sing
 Of Odin, and of Thor,
Until the roof responsive ring
 To the glorious deeds of war.

Chorus:
Then we'll drain to the dregs each bowl;
 For at sorrow and care we mock;
And we'll drink till the thunders roll
 On the morn of Ragnarok.

Full many a foe hath felt our might,
 When battle filled the air;
And in the darkened hours of night
 Hath fled in wild despair.
We fall upon the Saxon's nest
 Like thunder from the sky;
The sickly Southron starts from rest
 To see our swordsmen nigh.

Chorus:
Then drain with a shout the bowl;
 For at sorrow and care we mock!
Ho! Drink, till the thunders roll
 On the morn of Ragnarok!

We sail before the rising blast,
 We rule the stormy wave
Our bounding barks are staunch, and fast;
 Our hearts are bold and brave.
Our music is the battle-cry,
 Our joy in war and strife;
Valhalla opens when we die,
 And glory crowns our life.

Chorus:
Then drain with a shout the bowl;
 For at fear and death we mock—
Ho! drink, while the thunders roll
 On the morn of Ragnarok!