Henry Wadsworth Longfellow — King Christian

King Christian stood by the lofty mast        &nbsp In mist and smoke; His sword was hammering so fast, Through Gothic helm and brain it passed; Then sank each hostile hulk and mast,        &nbsp In mist and smoke. "Fly!" shouted they, "fly, he who can! Who braves of Denmark's Christian        &nbsp The stroke?" Nils Juel gave heed to the tempest's roar,        &nbsp Now is the hour! He hoisted his blood-red flag once more, And smote upon the foe full sore, And shouted Loud, through the tempest's roar,        &nbsp "Now is the hour!" "Fly!" shouted they, "for shelter fly! Of Denmark's Juel who can defy        &nbsp The power?" North Sea! a glimpse of Wessel rent        &nbsp Thy murky sky! Then champions to thine arms were sent; Terror and Death glared where he went; From the waves was heard a wail, that        &nbsp rent        &nbsp Thy murky sky! From Denmark, thunders Tordenskiol', Let each to Heaven commend his soul,        &nbsp And fly! Path of the Dane to fame and might!        &nbsp Dark-rolling wave! Receive thy friend, who, scorning flight Goes to meet danger with despite, Proudly as thou the tempest's might        &nbsp Dark-rolling wave! And amid pleasures and alarm; And war and victory, be thine arms        &nbsp My grave!