The Beheading of a King
A mighty fleet came across the straitBut Erik was preparedFive hundred Germans had come to his aidOn horseback with their spears
The fleet was carrying two thousand menEager to draw bloodBut as they were about to landErik released his heards
One thousand men and five hundred horsemenCame charging down the beachWhen the sea-king saw this forceHe gave order to retreat
All obeyed except one shipIt held the king's own sonHe despised the thought of flightAnd attacked on his own
The Danish fleet had to turn aroundThey charged King Erik's menBut it was too late to save his sonHis life was already spent
The fighting continued bloody and fierceAnd the bloodshed was immenseTwo thousand warriors died that dayMost of them were Danes
The Danish king was capturedMost of his guards were deadFor a ransom he was releasedThen his people took his head