33
‘Who calls so clear
at cavern’s doorway,
fords so fearless
the foaming stream?
Fair one, thy father
thy face gave not!
What bringest bound
in bast folded?’
34
‘My face is Volsung’s,
father of Signy.
Signy sent me
a sword bearing.
Long years it lay
on the lap of Siggeir;
Sigmund drew it,
since hath no man.’
35
Thus son of Signy
came Sinfjotli,
to vengeance bred
of Volsung slain.
In the forest faring
far in warfare
long they laboured,
long they waited.
36
Wide they wandered
wolvish-coated,
men they murdered,
men they plundered.
Daylong slept they
in dark cavern
after dreadful deeds
of death in Gautland.
37
Moon was shining,
men were singing,
Siggeir sitting
in his sounding hall.
Volsung vanquished
voices chanted;
wolves came howling
wild and dreadful.
38
Doors were opened,
din fell silent.
‘Eyes we see there
like eager fire!
wolves have entered,
watchmen slaying!
Flames are round us
fire-encircled.’
39
Sigmund stood there
his sword wielding,
and Signy’s son
at his side laughing.
‘Pass may no man,
prince nor servant!
In pain shall perish
pride of Siggeir.’
40
‘Come forth, Signy,
sister fairest!
Gautland’s glory
grimly endeth.
Glad the greeting,
grief is over;
avenged is Volsung
valiant-hearted!’
41
(Sigmund’s sister
Signy answered:)
‘Son Sinfjotli,
Sigmund father!
Signy comes not,
Siggeir calls her.
Where I lay unwilling
I now lay me glad;
I lived in loathing,
now lief I die.’
*
