Detdiar sidj as efterluket wurden.
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Yet without fear to turn their glance
Downward to him, who, shorn of light,
Dwells 'neath the shadow of the night. —
In the king's guard 'twas his to hold
A place among his soul's own kin ;
A little band, whose number told
Seven, like the stars of Charles's Wain,
Or, like the Muses, nine at most,
All strictly chosen from the host ;
By fire and sword proved well and long,
A troop of Christian vikings strong,
Not unlike those who whilom clave
With dragon-ships the dark-blue wave.
Within no bed might they repose ;
On the hard earth their cloaks they spread,
And there, mid storms and drifting snows,
Slept calmly as on flowery mead.
A horse-shoe with the naked hand
They twisted. None e'er saw them stand
