Classic Poem

I saw the hero riding, golden-haired,
To victory, clothed in valor and in power.
I launched the mistletoe in the black hour.
Valhalla trembled at the deed I dared.
I fell with glorious Baldur, and despaired
With Loki quivering 'neath the poison-shower,
And saw the crowd of gods shudder and cower
Where the cold eyes of the loosed serpent glared

Through the dust of Ragnarok. The coiling snake
Is in me too—and Freya's loveliness,
And Thor the hammer-shaker. I confess
The theft of Niblung gold. The dragon-guard
Crawled from my entrails, grieving for the sake
Of the strong Siegfried dying, evil-starred.