King Olaf’s Sword.
King Olaf looked at his rack of
swords,1
And cried, ‘ ’Tis a time for deeds, not words !
’2
He looked at the rack, and out he drew3
The blade he counted most straight and true,4
‘ And this,’ he said, ‘ will serve my intents5
For rebels and rascals and malcontents.6
Long have they plotted their treacherous game,7
Not knowing the terror that clings to my name.8
Long have they laid a dastardly plot,9
Not knowing what is or what is not.10
Long have they lain in an ambuscade11
Where they hoped my men might fall, afraid.12
Long have they thought to rouse a scare13
And catch me before I was ever aware.14
I have waited long, I have been remiss—15
Delay may lead to a terrible miss.16
No miss shall be now—the sword is here,17
And stirs at the sound of its master’s cheer—18
The sword from the scabbard shall leap like a flame,19
And the world be ablaze with King Olaf’s fame ! ’20