The Reign of the Iron Crown
Like sparks the ashes hideously did glow
As over mountains, far beyond the sea,
Above the land of earth they flew to sow
The seeds of the dark age that would then be.

"O mortal race, your back with toil ye'll bow
On field and furrow, you shall prune the tree,
And will thine progeny 'mong troubles grow,
For ventured tread ye where no man should be."

The sterile ground refused mankind to obey
When not forced by the rape of plough and hoe,
And so the ox whom hardly tamed the yoke.

The flood ravaged their corn and fire their hay.
Both earth and sea did cry aloud their woe
The day when the iron king from sleep awoke.