Long hours in waves they heaved Until, about to drown, Their troubles were relieved, Land found, the anchor down.- They seemed from death here saved, But new risks were at hand: Blown by the storm just braved Into the Ogres' Land! The storm its course had run, The sea could gently rock. The sailors had begun To take of things good stock. The ship survived the storm, Which showed that it was strong. Repairs they would perform, Their voyage then prolong. As far as eye could sight, It was an empty shore. The crew thus thought it right, To go on land once more. Upon a mossy rise, Some doe were grazing near. Bearslayer, for supplies, Went out to hunt the deer. A hope formed from this scene: These parts could well be clear, No Dog-Snouts might have been; Perhaps they need not fear. Bearslayer with some men Approached the mossy hill; Already deer for them He had contrived to kill. And now with dagger blows This meat they would share round.- Then from the hill arose A horrid shrieking sound. And from a cave now poured The Dog-Faced Monsters out.- Surrounded by this horde The men yet battled stout. But doglike teeth soon ripped To shreds men fighting here. Bearslayer firmly gripped, And faced them with his spear. He stabbed the howling gangs, But still could not prevent That with their vicious fangs His hip and side they rent. He had not found the strength To hold them long alone, If not a thought at length Had saving counsel shown. No monsters any more Were pouring from the cave, So he rushed to its door, Therein himself to save. Now, standing in this way, He could, with sturdy limb, Drive off or quickly slay All those that ran at him. A howl the monsters gave, When first they saw this trick, Then rolled before the cave Great boulders broad and thick. They heaped the stones until The entrance they secured. Bearslayer waited, still, Within the cave immured. The sailors could not wait, Until the hunters came; But orders did not state To seek them, all the same. They worked on board until All readied was to sail; Their comrades, missing still, They sought to no avail. They felt a special care About Bearslayer too; Without his presence there, They knew not what to do. But then the helmsman cried: "Bearslayer comes, see now!" And soon with hurried stride He reached the ship's sharp prow. He did not wish to wait, But sailed without delay; Then told the hunters' fate, And how he got away:- Low in the cave's dark rear An opening small he found, That with his heavy spear He widened all around. Within the cave there lay Some half-raw scraps of meat, Of that on every day, A portion he could eat. And after some days more, He fled from in the cave.- The Dog-Snouts to the door, Their full attention gave, And so they had no chance- He gave them all the slip. Without a backward glance, He set off to the ship. They travelled far once more, Across the distant sea, Until they reached the shore, A land where they were free. The Kingdom of Dreams