THE SKELETON IN ARMOR.

I, with my childish hand,

Tamed the ger-falcon ;

And, with my skates fast-bound,
Skimmed the half-frozen Sound,
That the poor whimpering hound
Trembled to walk on.

"Oft to his frozen lair

Tracked I the grisly bear,
While from my path the hare
Fled like a shadow;

Oft through the forest dark
Followed the were-wolf's bark,

Until the soaring lark

Sang from the meadow.

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Wild was the life we led;

Many the souls that sped,

Many the hearts that bled,
By our stern orders.

"Many a wassail-bout

Wore the long Winter out; Often our midnight shout

Set the cocks crowing,

As we the Berserk's tale
Measured in cups of ale,
Draining the oaken pail,
Filled to o'erflowing.

"Once as I told in glee

Tales of the stormy sea,

Soft eyes did gaze on me,

Burning yet tender;

And as the white stars shine

On the dark Norway pine,

BALLADS AND OTHER POEMS. 181

On that dark heart of mine

Fell their soft splendor.

"I wooed the blue-eyed maid, Yielding, yet half afraid,

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And in the forest's shade

Our vows were plighted.

Under its loosened vest
Fluttered her little breast,

Like birds within their nest

By the hawk frighted.

Bright in her father's hall

Shields gleamed upon the wall.

Loud sang the minstrels all,

Chaunting his glory;

When of old Hildebrand

I asked his daughter's hand,

Mute did the minstrels stand

To hear my story,