Long and uncertain lasts the awful fight;
At length is heard a hideous scream; for now
Victorious Thor hath given the mortal blow,
And tramples with his heel the monster’s head.
But in the agonies of death around
The hero’s feet the serpent winds his folds
Still closer, and with venom-spreading foam
Bedews the conqueror’s front, and groans and dies.
Thor stands victorious; but too soon grows pale;
He staggers; now he rallies; now again