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companions; being themselves irresolute and dismayed, having neither targets nor helmets left for their defence; while the victorious Biarmians, regardless either of glory or virtue, proceed to burn the houses every where scattered over the country.
King Charles is informed that his warriors are perished; that his chieftain Eric himself is destroyed, and that his army are weltering in their blood. He is likewise told, that in Harec’s train there is a chieftain named Grunder, whose resplendent sword hath made a terrible carnage of his people. Grymer heard also this relation, and throwing down his dagger, struck it with violence into the table; but the king, with his, pierced it through and through. All instantly fly to arms: every one prepares himself for battle. The trumpet sounds, each warrior is accoutered, and the women, sensibly alarmed, surrender up themselves to fear.
In the mean time the people flock around the king; crying, that a woful devastation was spread over Sweden, and that the flames, without distinction, devoured every dwelling. The king, at the hearing of this calamity, waxes red with fury, and orders the blue steel of their arms to be dyed in blood. At the loud clangor of the polished trumpets, the soldiers vow revenge for their loss. Grymer, panting for battle, was
