pointing out with his weapon the distant objects that engaged his attention, and demanding frequent explanations from Gryffhod, more particularly as to the direction and distance of Canterbury.  While he was thus occupied, the heavy western clouds, whose threatenings he had been so anxious to anticipate, were swept rapidly towards them by a sudden storm gust, which lashed up the waves into fury, and instantly surrounded the foot of the crag whirlpools of foam.  The extensive prospect upon which they had so lately been gazing was now shrouded in a dense gloom, presently pierced and irradiated by a vivid flash of lightning, followed by a crash of thunder that made the lofty crag tremble beneath their feet.  To a martial soul like that of Hengist, this warring of the elements presented a more spirit-stirring and congenial spectacle, than all the tranquil beauties of the previous prospect, and he pointed out to the admiration of his comrades the fiercer features of the scene, shouting with delight as a huge mass of the next projecting cliff, undermined by the raving waters, fell thundering into the depths below.

“While he was thus occupied, either his extended sword was touched, or his arm was unnerved by the electric fluid, for the weapon fell from his hand and instantly disappeared in the whirlpool beneath.  ’My sword! my enchanted sword!’ exclaimed Hengist with a loud cry of consternation:  ’it is lost, it is gone! a hundred pieces of gold to him who recovers my precious weapon!  I would plunge after it myself, but that I am prohibited by the magician who fashioned it.  My sword! my sword! a hundred horses, besides the gold, to him who finds it.  What! my brave comrades,’ he continued, casting a reproachful look at his fellow-countrymen, ’will you see your leader ruined, and all his hopes blasted, rather than attempt to get me back my sword?’

“’We came hither to fight the Picts and Scots, not to drown ourselves in such a hopeless enterprise,’ muttered the Saxons.

“’Oscar, my intended son-in-law! you are young and vigorous.  Show yourself worthy of Guinessa by plunging into the waters in search of my lost talisman.’

“’It is inevitable death; and besides you have promised her to me already,’ replied the young Prince, recoiling with a shudder from the edge of the precipice.

“‘Craven! recreant!  I recall my consent,’ shouted Hengist, hoarse with rage, ’and here in the face of Heaven I promise her to him, and him only, who shall redeem my sword from the waters.’

“‘Do you swear to that vow?’ asked Leoline, starting forward.

“’Ay, I swear by the sword itself, an oath that I dare not violate, even if I would.’