"I Saw the Immortals.."
And I laid me down. And sleep came upon me. And in my sleep I beheld a
Vision! Behold there were waters and over them heavens. And the waters
were darkened because of the heavens. Their billows were chill. The
skies had a famine. And behold I saw a ship whose pride cleaved the
spume crests. Its sheets were as daybreak. Deep-set in steel billows it
moved with a glory. And behold as it neared to the shores of my
watchings, a rune lifted clear from the shields on its oarlocks..
"We are those who come singing in that Light hath renowned us, in that
conflict hath sired us, in that bright gods of ennobled kingdoms have
bestowed on us their embassies.. We are those who have seen with the
vision-sweep of ages that the lives of men are Destinies, that evils
are but challenges, that in every soul lurketh the summons to
accolades.. We are the Voyagers, we carry the Beacons, we are the
Chieftains and the strong mates of Chieftains.. We see a pure blood, a
proud brevet, a wreathed chivalry.. The tramp of our armor rolls hard
up the worlds.. We are the New Northmen who have steered our staunch
craft by the star of the Manger, who come as a tocsin to incite men to
valors.."
They were a cargo of Mighty Men though their ranks were but a handful.
Strong-carved were their eyes and the hills of their bodies. Among them
were women. Their hair was clean yellow. Their hard thighs were hewn
for the child-birth of heroes, their breasts, unashamed, were as rich
founts of vigors.. And the hardy comrades raised voice amongst
themselves.
"We are called to this people to rescue a birthright.. The horns of our
bonnets are as petards of alchemies to break through foul bulwarks and
level vast infamies.. We come as the sculptors of the pure in heart, to
summon our kinsmen around council fires of probities.. We seek naught
for ourselves but enlistments unto Excellence.. The God of our Fathers
hath given us enthronement.. We are your Better Selves, envisioned for
Life's Pinnacles.."
And forthwith they deployed, their axes glistening brightly. They
bestrode a stricken firmament and wrought a sweet havoc.. And behold,
the darkness lifted. The sea took its marplots. The vistas showed
wheatfields and the nights were hushed sacraments. Men cried in a paean
birthed of contriteness: "Lo, the New Vikings have essayed to this
Vineland! We are captains of our hungers as these Voyagers bring us
dignities!"
Where went the dream? Whereof did I dream it? I only behold the White
Conquerors voyaging inward afresh from the ocean of the aeons. That
was my Patmos..
I SAW THE IMMORTALS!..