In the ship-yard, idly talking, At the ship the workmen stared: Some one, all their labor balking, Down her sides had cut deep gashes, Not a plank was spared! “Death be to the evil-doer!” With an oath King Olaf spoke! “But rewards to his pursuer!” And with wrath his face grew redder Than his scarlet cloak. Straight the master-builder, smiling, Answered thus the angry King: “Cease blaspheming and reviling, Olaf, it was Thorberg Skafting Who has done this thing!” Then he chipped and smoothed the planking, Till the King, delighted, swore, With much lauding and much thanking, “Handsomer is now my Dragon Than she was before!” Seventy ells and four extended On the grass the vessel’s keel; High above it, gilt and splendid, Rose the figure-head ferocious With its crest of steel. Then they launched her from the tressels, In the ship-yard by the sea; She was the grandest of all vessels, Never ship was built in Norway Half so fine as she! The Long Serpent was she christened, ’Mid the roar of cheer on cheer! They who to the Saga listened Heard the name of Thorberg Skafting For a hundred year! End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Children's Own Longfellow, by Henry W. Longfellow