death of the old sea king

'Twas a fearful night—the tempest raved
     With loud and wrathful pride,
  The storm-king harnessed his lightning steeds,
     And rode on the raging tide.

  The sea-king lay on his bed of death,
     Pale mourners around him bent;
  They knew the wild and fitful life
     Of their chief was almost spent.

  His ear was growing dull in death
     When the angry storm he heard,

  The sluggish blood in the old man's veins
     With sudden vigor stirred.

  "I hear them call," cried the dying man,
     His eyes grew full of light;
  "Now bring me here my warrior robes,
     My sword and armor bright.

  "In the tempest's lull I heard a voice,
     I knew 'twas Odin's call.
  The Valkyrs are gathering round my bed
     To lead me unto his hall.

  "Bear me unto my noblest ship,
     Light up a funeral pyre;
  I'll walk to the palace of the braves
     Through a path of flame and fire."

  Oh! wild and bright was the stormy light
     That flashed from the old man's eye,
  As they bore him from the couch of death
     To his battle-ship to die,

  And lit with many a mournful torch
     The sea-king's dying bed,
  And like a banner fair and bright
     The flames around him spread.

  But they heard no cry of anguish
     Break through that fiery wall,
  With rigid brow and silent lips
     He was seeking Odin's hall.

  Through a path of fearful splendor,
     While strong men held their breath,
  The brave old man went boldly forth
     And calmly talked with death.