Norna Sings

FOR leagues along the watery way,
Through gulf and stream my course has been ;
The billows know my Runic lay,
And smooth their crests to silent green.

The billows know my Runic lay,--
The gulf grows smooth, the stream is still ;
But human hearts, more wild than they,
Know but the rule of wayward will.

One hour is mine, in all the year,
To tell my woes, -- and one alone ;
When gleams this magic lamp, 'tis here, --
When dies the mystic light, 'tis gone.

Daughters of northern Magnus, hail !
The lamp is lit, the flame is clear, --
To you I come to tell my tale,
Awake, arise, my tale to hear !