Chapter 105
The Swan's NestBETWEEN the Baltic and the North Sea there lies an old
swan's nest, wherein swans are born and have been born that shall
never die.
In olden times a flock of swans flew over the Alps to the
green plains around Milan, where it was delightful to dwell. This
flight of swans men called the Lombards.
Another flock, with shining plumage and honest eyes,
soared southward to Byzantium; the swans established themselves
there close by the Emperor's throne, and spread their wings over
him as shields to protect him. They received the name of
Varangians.
On the coast of France there sounded a cry of fear, for
the blood-stained swans that came from the North with fire under
their wings; and the people prayed, "Heaven deliver us from the
wild Northmen."
On the f
