But longer him lasted
his lust of gold,
the gold he dreamed him
guarded darkly.
The serpent’s treasure
they sent it never,
the Niflungs kept it
in Niflung-land.
34
Long he pondered,
till lust swayed him;
woes were wakened
and wars of old.
Long nights lying
he looked on her;
dark nights drowsing
he dreamed of gold.
35
Oaths he had uttered,
evil he pondered;
but his heart’s purpose
was hidden under.
Yet words he muttered
in wandering sleep;
Gudrun guessed them,
gloom foreboding.
36
A feast he fashioned,
far proclaimed it;
to high-builded halls
his hosts were bidden;
all kith and kindred
called to greet him,
to dealing of rings,
drink and laughter.
*
37
On valiant horse
Vingi swiftly,
herald of Hunland,
hasted westward.
To Gunnar came he,
Gjuking mighty,
to halls of Rhineland
high and golden.
38
There drank they deep;
dark they eyed him,
Hun-speech hearing
in their hall ringing.
Cold fell his cry
calling loudly
under helm standing
hailing Gunnar.
39
‘Atli hath sent me
on errand speedy,
on horse hasting
through hoar forest.
Gunnar he greeteth,
Gunnar and Hogni.
Be blithe he bids you,
to his boon hearken!
40
A feast he fashions,
fair he dights it,
all kith and kindred
calls to meet him.
Rings will he deal,
raiment costly,
saddles silverlaid,
and southern purple.
41
Shields shall ye choose there
and shirts of mail,
spears smooth-shafted
and splendid helms.
Gifts will he give you,
graven silver,
gold-hilted swords,
and goodly lands.’
42
His head bowed Gunnar
to Hogni speaking:
‘What saith Hogni?
Doth he hear the summons?
Is not gold that glimmered
on Gnitahei?i
enough for Niflungs?
Need we bounty?
43
Is there sword in the East
that my sword matcheth?
