AN OLD VIKING.
The old, free wind is blowing now, O rise up and be going now Across the sea.
I sit in the high-seat all day,I hear the words the old men sayAnd children laughing at their play Through sun and shower.
I know the wind that cannot tireBlows free outside, my heart's desire,The wind that blew my blood to fire When I was young,
O would I had my youth once more,My good ship and my friends of yore;The sea behind me and before, A wind-ridged way.
Would I could hear the war-horn's dinAnd see the long-ships crowding in,And leap as warriors leap to win The weapon-lane.
'Twas good to share the surge of fight,'Twas good to see the warriors smite,And good to feel my good sword bite Through steel to bone.
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