The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun

III

DAU?I SINFJOTLA

(The Death of Sinfjotli)

1

Ships they laded

with shining gear,

gems and jewels,

joys of Gautland.

Wild blew the winds,

waves were foaming;

they viewed afar

the Volsung shore.

2

Long ruled Sigmund,

sire and uncle;

Sinfjotli sat

at his side proudly.

There towered the tree,

tall and ancient,

birds in the branches

were blithe again.

3

Ever Grimnir’s gift

gleamed in warfare;

at Sigmund’s side

Sinfjotli strode.

Hard, handlinked,

helm and corslet

glasswhite glittered

with grey silver.

4

Seven kings they slew,

their cities plundered;

wide waxed their realm

the world over.

Of women fairest

in war taken

a wife took Sigmund;

woe she brought him.

5

Sinfjotli came

sailing proudly

ships goldladen

to the shore steering.

Sigmund

‘Hail! Odin’s son,

eager-hearted!

War no longer!

Wine is pouring.’

6

In came the queen

evil pondering –

her sire was slain

by Sinfjotli – :

Queen

‘Hail! Volsung fell,

valiant-hearted!

Weary art thou.

Wine I bring thee.

7

Steep stands the horn,

Stepson thirsty!’

Sinfjotli

‘Dark seems the drink,

deadly blended!’

Sigmund seized it,

swiftly drained it;

no venom vanquished

Volsung’s eldest.

Queen

8

‘Beer I bring thee

brown and potent!’

Sinfjotli

‘Guile there gleameth

grimly blended!’

Sigmund seized it,

swiftly drank it;

that prince of men

poison harmed not.

Queen

9

‘Ale I offer thee,

eager Volsung!

Volsungs valiant

at venom blench not;

heroes ask not

help in drinking –

if drink thou darest,

drink Sinfjotli!’

10

Dead Sinfjotli

drinking stumbled.

Sigmund

‘Woe! thou