be, when Gulnir's goats
thou didst milk. Another time thou wast a giantess's daughter, a
tattered wretch. Wilt thou a longer chat?

_Sinfiotli_.

43. I rather would at Frekastein the ravens cram with thy carcase,
than thy dogs lead to their meat, or thy hogs feed. May the fiend deal
with thee!

_Helgi_.

44. "Much more seemly, Sinfiotli! would it be for you both in battle
to engage, and the eagles gladden, than with useless words to contend,
however princes[51] may foster hate.

45. Not good to me appear Granmar's sons, yet 'tis right that
princes should speak the truth: they have shown, at Moinsheimar, that
they have courage to draw the sword."--

46. Rapidly they their horses made to run, Svipud and Svegiud, to
Solheimar, over dewy dales, dark mountain-sides; trembled the sea of
mist, where the men went.

47. The king they met at the burgh's gate, to the prince announced
the hostile advent. Without stood Hodbrodd with helmet decked: he the
speed noticed of his kinsmen. "Why have ye Hniflungs such wrathful
countenances?"

48. "Hither to the shore are come rapid keels, towering masts, and
long yards, shields many, and smooth-shaven oars, a king's noble host,
joyous Ylfings.

49. Fifteen bands are come to land; but there are out at sea, before
Gnipalund, seven thousand blue-black ocean-beasts with gold adorned;
there is by far their greatest multitude. Now will Helgi not delay the
conflict."

_Hodbrodd_.

50. "Let a bridled steed to the chief assembly run, but Sporvitnir
to Sparinsheid; Melnir and Mylnir to Myrkvid; let no man stay behind
of those who swords can brandish.

51. Summon to you Hogni, and the sons of Hring, Atli and Yngvi, Alf
the old; they will gladly engage in conflict. We will let the Volsungs
find resistance."

52. It was a whirlwind, when together came the fallow[52] blades at
Frekastein: ever was Helgi Hundingsbani foremost in the host, where
men together fought: ardent for battle, disdaining flight; the
chieftain had a valiant heart.

53. Then came a maid from heaven, helmed, from above--the clash of
arms increased--for the king's protection. Then said Sigrun--well
skilled to fly to the host of heroes from Hugin's grove--[53]

54. "Unscathed shalt thou, prince! possess thy people, pillar of
Yngvi's race! and life enjoy; thou hast laid low the slow of flight,
the chief who caused the dread warrior's death. And thee, O king! well
beseem both red-gold rings and a powerful maid: un