The Dark Hereafter

Afflicted with sorrows

Yet glorified in victory

Much moved by their summons

The night-helm glode away

Quickly departed

Light came thereafter

The rushing noise of dawn!

The powerful collected heathens

Savage, in heaps they thronged

Their war-trappings sung

They brandished their arms

Angry in mood

Under walls of shields!

They had in rune and had in rime craft

Written, greedy for power

The end of men, in life or death

The cold-hearted fiercely shouted!

Oft their minds went to dim shadows

Besieged by the devil's lore

When they of savaged spirits

Believed the lies!

Then they found those prudent of mind

Their lives in space expired

Dead bones ring echoes in broken lives

Forthwith to divide, body and mind!