PRE FAC E. IN the eleventh century, Sigurd, Earl of the Orkney Islands, went with a fleet of ships, and a confiderable body of troops, into Ireland, to the affistance of Sigtryg with the filken beard, who was then making war on his fatherin-law Brian, King of Dublin. The Earl and all his forces were cut to pieces, and Sigtryg was in danger of a total defeat; but the enemy had a greater lofs, by the death of Brian, their King, who fell in the action. On Chistmas-day, (the day of the battle,) a native of Caithness in Scotland faw, at a distance, a number of perfons on horseback, riding full speed towards a hill, and seeming to enter into it. Curiofity led him to follow them; them; till looking through an opening in the rocks, he faw twelve gigantic figures refembling women: they were all employed about a loom, and as they wove, they fung the following dreadful fong; which when they had finished, they tore the web into twelve pieces, and, each taking her portion, galloped fix to the north, and as many to the fouth. THE FATAL SISTERS. Nov 20th 777 See the grisley texture grow! Publifhd as the Act directs by J.Murray No 32 Fleetfreet London. THE FATAL SISTERS. AN O D E. Now the ftorm begins to lower, OW (Hafte, the loom of hell prepare,) * Iron fleet of arrowy fhower Hurtles in the darken'd air. Note.-The Valkyriur were female divinities, fervants of Odin (or Woden) in the Gothic mythology. Their name fignifies Chufers of the flain. They were mounted on swift horses, with drawn swords in their hands; and in the throng of battle selected fuch as were def tined to flaughter, and conducted them to Valhalla, (the hall of Odin, or paradife of the brave,) where they attended the banquet, and ferved the departed heroes with horns of mead and ale. * How quick they wheel'd, and, flying, behind them shot Sharp fleet of arrowy shower + The noise of battle hurtled in the air. MILT. Par. Regained. SHAKES. Jul. Caf. Glitt'ring |