"The whole world, heaven and sea, and hell, I must have burned with consuming fire.
"Nothing should any longer be, since Thora no longer is.
"The world can I not destroy.
"But the ships, and all that is upon it, I will burn--a great funereal pile for Thora.
"Do as I say to ye."
And he embedded with gentle hands, the dead Thora in the flower mound, so that almost nothing of her form and clothing were to be seen.
And by his orders the six men were obliged to bring upon deck all the weapons, treasures, clothing, and provisions, which were stored in the hold of the Singing Swan.
And Halfred heaped them around the mast upon the flower mound, and purple clothing, linen cloth, silken stuff, golden vessels, and soft cushions, he piled up all round about.
Then he poured ship's tar over all, and covered it with withered brushwood, and dry chips from the kitchen.
And he ordered all sail to be set--a strong warm south wind was blowing--