" In the evening solemn vows were made, and the son-hog was
led forth, on which the guests laid their hands, and then made solemn
vows at the Bragi-cup.[48] Hedin bound himself by a vow to possess
Svava, the beloved of his brother Helgi; but repented it so bitterly
that he left home and wandered through wild paths to the southern
lands, and there found his brother Helgi. Helgi said:
31. Welcome art thou, Hedin! What new tidings canst thou give from
Norway? Why art thou, prince! from the land driven, and alone art come
to find us?
_Hedin_.
32. Of a much greater crime I am guilty. I have chosen a royal
daughter, thy bride, at the Bragi-cup.
_Helgi_.
33. Accuse not thyself; true will prove words at drinking uttered by
us both. Me a chieftain has to the strand summoned; within three
nights I must be there. 'Tis to me doubtful whether I return; then may
well such befall, if it so must be.
_Hedin_.
34. Thou saidst, Helgi! that Hedin well deserved of thee, and great
gifts: It would beseem thee better thy sword to redden, than to grant
peace to thy foes.
Helgi so spoke, for he had a foreboding that his death was at hand,
and that his fylgiur (attendant spirit) had accosted Hedin, when he
saw the woman riding on a wolf. There was a king named Alf, a son of
Hrodmar, who had appointed a place of combat with Helgi in Sigar's
plain within three days.
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