with shining sword
smoking redly
slew two-handed.
*
25
Black the raven
by the body croaketh,
bare are Volsung’s
bones once mighty.
In bonds the brethren
are bound living;
Siggeir smileth,
Signy weeps not.
26
‘Sweet still is sight
while see one may!
A boon, my husband –
bid men linger!
Slay not swiftly
seed of Volsung!
For death is lasting,
though the doom tarry.’
27
‘Wild and witless
words of Signy,
that pain and torment
plead for kindred!
Glad will I grant it,
grimly bind them
in the forest fettered,
faint and hungry.’
28
In the forest fettered,
faint and naked,
her ten brethren
torment suffered.
There one by one
a wolf rent them;
by night after night
another sought she.
29
‘What found ye in the forest,
my fair servants?’
‘Nine brothers’ bones
under night gleaming;
yet were shackles broken,
she-wolf lying
torn and tongueless
by the tree riven.’
*
30
‘Who hath deeply delved
this dark cavern?
Dwarvish master,
thy doors open!’
‘Who knocks at night
at nameless doors?
In may enter
elvish maiden!’
31
Brother and sister
in a bed lying,
brief love, bitter,
blent with loathing!
Answer, earth-dweller –
in thy arms who lies,
chill, enchanted,
changed, elfshapen?
32
Back went Signy
to Siggeir’s hall,
nine months brooding
no word speaking.
Wolves were wailing,
her women shuddering,
Signy silent,
when a son she bore.
*
