n ye had. They well knew how the keel to ride, the edge to prove,
wounds to inflict.

The rest is wanting.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 39: A common practice: the pieces served as money.]

[Footnote 40: The nuptial veil.]

OEGIR'S COMPOTATION, OR LOKI'S ALTERCATION.

Oegir, who is also named Gymir, had brewed beer for the AEsir, after he
had got the great kettle, as has been already related. To the
entertainment came Odin and his wife Frigg. Thor did not come, being
in the East, but his wife Sif was there, also Bragi and his wife Idun,
and Ty, who was one-handed, Fenrisulf having bitten off his hand while
being bound. Besides these there were Niord and his wife Skadi, Frey
and Freyia, and Odin's son Vidar. Loki too was there, and Frey's
attendants, Byggvir and Beyla. Many other AEsir and Alfar were also
present.

Oegir had two servants, Fimafeng and Eldir. Bright gold was there used
instead of fire-light. The beer served itself to the guests. The place
was a great sanctuary. The guests greatly praised the excellence of
Oegir's servants. This Loki could not hear with patience, and so slew
Fimafeng; whereupon the AEsir shook their shields, exclaimed against
Loki, chased him into the forest, and then returned to drink. Loki
came again, and found Eldir standing without, whom he thus addressed:

1. Tell me, Eldir! ere thou thy foot settest one step forward, on
what converse the sons of the triumphant gods at their potation?

_Eldir_.

2. Of their arms converse, and of their martial fame, the sons of
the triumphant gods. Of the AEsir and the Alfar that are here within
not one has a friendly word for thee.

_Loki_.

3. I will go into Oegir's halls, to see the compotation. Strife and
hate to the AEsir's sons I bear, and will mix their mead with bale.

_Eldir_.

4. Knowest thou not that if thou goest into Oegir's halls to see the
compotation, but contumely and clamour pourest forth on the kindly
powers, they will wipe it all off on thee?

_Loki_.

5. Knowest thou not, Eldir, that if we two with bitter words
contend, I shall be rich in answers, if thou sayest too much?

Loki then went into the hall, but when those present saw who was come
in, they all sat silent.

_Loki_.

6. I Lopt am come thirsty into this hall, from a long journey, to
beseech the AEsir one draught to give me of the bright mead.

7. Why gods! are ye so silent, so reserved, that ye cannot speak? A
seat and place choose for me at your