Such a case, saidst thou, would not thenceforth
happen, to any maiden, save to me alone."
14. Then sat down the sorrowing lady to tell her woes, from her
great grief:
15. "I was nurtured in the kingly hall, I was the joy of many in the
council of men. Life I enjoyed, and my father's wealth, five winters
only, while my father lived.
16. These last words the noble-hearted king strove to utter, ere he
departed hence.
17. He bade me be endowed with ruddy gold, and in the south be given
to Grimhild's son. He said no maiden could more excellent in the world
be born, if fate willed it not otherwise.
18. Brynhild in her bower was occupied in broidery: she had people
and lands around her. Earth slumbered, and the heavens above, when
Fafnir's bane her burgh first saw.
19. Then was conflict waged with the Walish sword, and the burgh
taken which Brynhild owned. It was not long--which was not
surprising--ere she discovered all those frauds.
20. These she caused cruelly to be avenged, so that we all have
great afflictions. Known it will be through every land of men, that
she caused herself to die with Sigurd.
21. But I for Gunnar, rings' dispenser, love conceived, such as
Brynhild should. But he Brynhild bade a helmet take, said she a
Valkyria should become.
22. They forthwith offered[93] ruddy rings to my brother, and
indemnity not small.
Pages:
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233