of Hreidmar’s son.
46
Dark red the drink
and dire the meat
whereon Sigurd feasted
seeking wisdom.
Dark hung the doors
and dread the timbers
in the earth under
of iron builded.
47
Gold piled on gold
there glittered palely:
that gold was glamoured
with grim curses.
The Helm of Horror
on his head laid he:
swart fell the shadow
round Sigurd standing.
48
Great and grievous
was Grani’s burden,
yet lightly leaped he
down the long mountain.
Ride now! ride now
road and woodland,
horse and hero,
hope of Odin!
*
49
Ever wild and wide
the wandering paths;
long lay the shadow
of lone rider.
Birds in the branches
blithe were singing:
their words he heard,
their wit he knew not.
50
‘High stands a hall
on Hindarfell,
fire it fenceth
flaming-tongued;
steep stands the path,
stern the venture,
where mountains beckon
to mighty heart.’
51
‘A maid have I seen
as morning fair,
golden-girdled,
garland-crowned.
Green run the roads
to Gjuki’s land;
fate leads them on,
who fare that way.’
52
‘Slumber bindeth
the sun-maiden
on mountain high,
mail about her.
Thorn of Odin
is thrust in bosom –
to what shall she wake,
woe or laughter?’
53
‘The Gjukings proudly,
Gunnar and Hogni,
there rule a realm
by Rhine-water.
Gudrun groweth
golden-lovely,
as flower unfolded
fair at morning.’
54
‘Too peerless proud
her power wielding,
victory swaying
