Bursts through the blanket of the dark, to view
The Asa’s valour, and his triumph too.
On high now Thor his hammer lifts again:
The giant shakes with fear; the serpent yells with pain.
Though still the giant strives the belt to file
With his sharp dagger, naught avails his toil;
Now on the anchor he would fain essay
His force; and, wading fish-like, bends his way,
To where, still struggling hard, the hook-bound serpent lay.
He puts forth all his strength, and files: the sight