There sat two kings upon Orkadal,
The torches flamed in the pillared hall.
The minstrel sings, the red wine glows,
The two kings drink with gloomy brows.
Out spake the one, "Give me this girl,
With her sea-blue eyes, and brow of pearl."
The other answered in gloomy scorn,
"She's mine, oh brother! my oath is sworn."
No other word spake either king
In their golden sheaths the keen swords ring.
Together they pass from the lighted hall
Deep lies the snow by the castle-wall.
Steel-sparks and torch-sparks in showers fall.
Two kings lie dead upon Orkadal.