The Beheading Of A King

A mighty fleet came across the strait
But Erik was prepared
Five hundred Germans had come to his aid
On horseback with their spears.

The fleet was carrying two thousand men
Eager to drain blood
But as they were about to land
Erik released his hoards.

One thousand men and five hundred horsemen
Came charging down the beach
When the sea-king saw this force
He gave order to retreat.

All obeyed except one ship
It held the king's own son
He despised the thought of flight
And attacked on his own.

The Danish fleet had to turn around
They charged King Erik's men
But it was too late to save his son
His life was already spent.

The fighting continued bloody and fierce
And the bloodshed was immense
Two thousand warriors died that day
Most of them were Danes.

The Danish king was captured
Most of his guards were dead
For ransom he was released
Then his people took his head.