Like white-winged sea-birds on their way.

Onward they glide; and now I view

Their iron-armed and stalwart crew:

Joy glistens in each wild blue eye

Turned to green earth and summer sky:

Each broad, seamed breast has cast aside

Its cumbering vest of shaggy hide:

Bared to the sun, and soft warm air,

Streams back the Norseman’s yellow hair.

I see the gleam of axe and spear;