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1807–1882

THE MUSICIAN'S TALE.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I am the God Thor, I am the War God, I am the Thunderer! Here in my Northland,

My fastness and fortress, Reign I forever! Here amid icebergs Rule I the nations;

This is my hammer, Miölner the mighty; Giants and sorcerers Cannot withstand it!

These are the gauntlets Wherewith I wield it, And hurl it afar off; This is my girdle;

Whenever I brace it, Strength is redoubled! The light thou beholdest Stream through the heavens,

In flashes of crimson, Is but my red beard Blown by the night-wind, Affrighting the nations!

Jove is my brother; Mine eyes are the lightning; The wheels of my chariot Roll in the thunder,

The blows of my hammer Ring in the earthquake! Force rules the world still, Has ruled it, shall rule it;

Meekness is weakness, Strength is triumphant, Over the whole earth Still is it Thor's-Day!

Thou art a God too, O Galilean! And thus single-handed Unto the combat,

Gauntlet or Gospel, Here I defy thee!

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THE MUSICIAN'S TALE. · Henry Wadsworth Longfellow · Poetry Cove