Cruel was Ran; frightful her frown;
Like the fell goddess Hela, she
Delighting to destroy, with glee
Spreads out her nets mankind to drown:
But, like th’ unruffled sea, the smile
Of Ægir all creation charms;
And oft doth he the hours beguile,
Soft dallying in a mermaid’s arms.
While Ran afar is storming, he
Basks in the sun at home; his soul