COMPLAINT OF HARALD.
IMITATED FROM AN ICELANDIC SONG.
My gallant ship a rich freight bore
Around Sicilia’s tideless shore;
Laden with gold and warriors brave
With rapid keel she ploughed the wave;
We woo’d the fresh’ning breeze in vain—
I mourn a Russian maid’s disdain!
Strong in the pride of youthful might,
Stern Drontheim’s troops I quelled in fight;
Dire was the conflict, ’mid the throng,
While pealed the war shouts loud and long:
I slew their chieftain;—still in vain
I mourn a Russian maid’s disdain!
I’ve stemmed the troublous ocean’s tide,
And met the tempest in its pride;
When darkly scowled the foaming deep,
My bark has cleft the billows’ sweep.
Full dangerous were my toils and vain;
I mourn a Russian maid’s disdain!
With graceful arm I rein the steed,
Unmatched in courage as in speed
I skim the ice; and dextrous wield
The dripping oar, and lance and shield.
I forge the weapon; yet in vain
I mourn a Russian maid’s disdain!
I’m skilled to lead the hunter’s chase,
Each Runic character I trace;
I bear the gift of godlike fire,
To wake the glories of the lyre.
Its magic chords but speak in vain;
I mourn a Russian maid’s disdain!
Stern Norway’s highlands claim my birth;
My arms have conquered Southern earth.
In desert wilds my banners play,
And the wide seas confess my sway.
A reckless victor still in vain
I mourn a Russian maid’s disdain!