The Hail-storm (from The Norse) Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis
Rhyme Scheme: ABCDDEFGHIIJ KLMMKKNN HHOOKPQQ MMQQHHRR MMKKQQQQ| Sigvald Jarl was a famous Sea Rover who when unengaged in | A |
| his predatory expeditions resided at Jomsborg in Denmark | B |
| He was the terror of the Norwegian coasts which he ravaged | C |
| and pillaged almost at his pleasure Hacon Jarl who at that | D |
| time sat on the Norwegian throne being informed that | D |
| Sigvald meditated a grand descent and knowing that he | E |
| himself was unable to oppose him had recourse to his God | F |
| Thorgerd to whom he sacrificed his son Erling In what | G |
| manner Thorgerd assisted him and his forces when the Danes | H |
| landed will best be learned from the bold song which the | I |
| circumstance gave rise to and which the following is a | I |
| feeble attempt to translate | J |
| - | |
| - | |
| When from our ships we bounded | K |
| I heard with fear astounded | L |
| The storm of Thorgerd's waking | M |
| From Northern vapours breaking | M |
| With flinty masses blended | K |
| Gigantic hail descended | K |
| And thick and fiercely rattled | N |
| Against us there embattled | N |
| - | |
| To aid the hostile maces | H |
| It drifted in our faces | H |
| It drifted dealing slaughter | O |
| And blood ran out like water | O |
| Ran reeking red and horrid | K |
| From batter'd cheek and forehead | P |
| We plied our swords but no men | Q |
| Can stand 'gainst hail and foemen | Q |
| - | |
| And demon Thorgerd raging | M |
| To see us still engaging | M |
| Shot downward from the heaven | Q |
| His shafts of flaming levin | Q |
| Then sank our brave in numbers | H |
| To cold eternal slumbers | H |
| There lay the good and gallant | R |
| Renown'd for warlike talent | R |
| - | |
| Our captain this perceiving | M |
| The signal made for leaving | M |
| And with his ship departed | K |
| Downcast and broken hearted | K |
| War death and consternation | Q |
| Pursu'd our embarkation | Q |
| We did our best but no men | Q |
| Can stand 'gainst hail and foemen | Q |
George Borrow
(1)
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