“The hunger within us is sharp and strong, Our hearts must certainly burst ere long.”

Then Brouk at that word so wrathful grew, The keys he into the salt fiord threw.

p. 23Twas dismal to hear how with hunger they roared, Each others shoulders they devoured.

p. 23

And there is yet more woe to relate, The flesh from the sides of each other they ate.

Much misery and woe there was that tide, In each other’s arms the brothers died.

And thus things stood till five months were fled, King Byrge came home from the war-field red.

“Now whither departed are brothers mine? Why didst thou not give them their fill of wine?”

Then answered straight the little child: “Brouk into the tower the nobles beguiled.”

King Byrge peeped in the window through, The state of the brothers was piteous to view.

“Now hear thou, Brouk, straight to me declare, Where the prison keys are I gave to thy care?”

p. 24“May the blessed Christ my soul ne’er save, If I cast them not in the briny wave.”

p. 24

“O Brouk, shame fall thy head upon, So evilly towards me thou has done.

“Thou fool and villain! I’ve lost thereby The keys to Sweden’s sovereignty.”

“If I have betrayed thy brothers twain, Thou mayest alone over Sweden reign.”

That deed such grief to the Dukes’ friends gave, And that grief they carried to the grave.

With his Queen King Byrge must fly from his throne, Beheaded was Magnus, his beautiful son.

But Brouk to the infamous wheel was consigned, May all such traitors a like end find!

When sovereigns many there are to a land, You’ll never see them go hand in hand.

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