The old one struck the log, now left alone, And boldly said: "Today I strike as last- Tomorrow to this deed I will not own." At this, with howling, Lucifer came fast. The greatest chief of witch and devil too, A cap of human fingernails he wore. "Is all prepared?" he sought the old one's view. "All ready, Lord," the crone then answered sure. Then Lucifer struck hard with action bold, And in a trice the chamber filled with flame That turned the log into a carriage gold, The axe a dragon harnessed to the same. The two then rode together through the door, And sought the golden chamber, in which spot The dragon lay and rested on the floor, And from its mouth both smoke and flame forth shot. The younger witches, summoned by the sound, All greeted Lucifer in prancing pack; They entered then the kitchen at a bound, Seized pitchforks in their hands, and hastened back, The pitchforks heated in the dragon's throat, And then all made a ring around the coach. The old witch stood and with her staff firm smote And cried "Come forth!" in tones of sour reproach. At this, at once a wall burst open wide, And hairy demons forth a man now brought, Who, deathly pale, was led in at their side; The witches formed a ring to seek their sport.- On seeing him, Bearslayer too knew fear; It was the famous holy man and good, As Kangars known, a hermit who lived near, Up on the hills, within a mighty wood. With monstrous voice foul Lucifer then swore: "Oh sinner, know your course is run this day; Your wage receive now in the dragon's maw- The pitchforks of the witches show the way." But Kangars, prone, made pleadings to implore: "Prolong, oh Lord, my life a tiny span, And I will truly serve your will once more."- A moment's thought and Lucifer began: "In vain your begging, but my urgent plight Could save your life and further time ensure: The faith of Perkons yields a harvest light, A daunting task, their souls to us to lure." "A gift of fortune that to Baltic lands A foreign force is coming from the west, That seeks to seize the Baltic in its hands. To plant an alien faith-this is their quest. I too desire to see that faith sown free, Because its growth will yield a harvest sure, For many priests already cleave to me, The bearers of the faith, whom all think pure." "This task I give you: Help that faith to come, And spread it wide upon the Baltic shore. Of years I give you three times nine in sum! So swear, oh traitor, on this dragon's maw, The faith of Perkons wholly to eschew, And be a traitor, with the folk at odds. You must destroy the heroes tried and true, And bring in priests who serve strange foreign gods." "Go urge the people Strangers to obey, And burn and slaughter all who would oppose. Your final goal: That slavery hold sway. Do thus, and live until the day I chose." False Kangars echoed all with solemn vow: To Lucifer he gave his yielding praise, And made an oath unbreakable, and now All looked at Kangars with a kindly gaze.