afthrudnir's halls it is.

_Frigg_.

4. In safety mayest thou go, in safety return; in safety on thy
journeyings be; may thy wit avail thee, when thou, father of men!
shalt hold converse with the Joetun.

5. Then went Odin the lore to prove of that all-wise Joetun. To the
hall he came which Im's father owned. Ygg went forthwith in.

_Odin._

6. Hail to thee, Vafthrudnir! to thy hall I am now come, thyself to
see; for I fain would know, whether thou art a cunning and all-wise
Joetun.

_Vafthrudnir._

7. What man is this, that in my habitation by word addresses me? Out
thou goest not from our halls, if thou art not the wiser.

_Odin._

8. Gagnrad is my name, from my journey I am come thirsty to thy
halls, needing hospitality,--for I long have journeyed--and kind
reception from thee, Joetun!

_Vafthrudnir._

9. Why then, Gagnrad! speakest thou from the floor? Take in the hall
a seat; then shall be proved which knows most, the guest or the
ancient talker.

_Gagnrad._

10. A poor man should, who to a rich man comes, speak usefully or
hold his tongue: over-much talk brings him, I ween, no good, who
visits an austere man.

_Vafthrudnir._

11. Tell me, Gagnrad! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
proficiency, how the horse is called that draws each day forth over
human kind?

_Gagnrad._

12. Skinfaxi he is named, that the bright day draws forth over human
kind. Of coursers he is best accounted among the Reid-goths. Ever
sheds light that horse's mane.

_Vafthrudnir._

13. Tell me now, Gagnrad! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
proficiency, how that steed is called, which from the east draws night
o'er the beneficent powers?

_Gagnrad._

14. Hrimfaxi he is called, that each night draws forth over the
beneficent powers. He from his bit lets fall drops every morn, whence
in the dales comes dew.

_Vafthrudnir._

15. Tell me, Gagnrad! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
proficiency, how the stream is called, which earth divides between the
Joetuns and the Gods?

_Gagnrad._

16. Ifing the stream is called which earth divides between the
Joetuns and the Gods: open shall it run throughout all time. On that
stream no ice shall be.

_Vafthrudnir._

17. Tell me, Gagnrad! since on the floor thou wilt prove thy
proficiency, how that plain is called, where in fight shall meet Surt
and the gentle Gods?

_Gagnrad._

18. Vigrid the plain is called where in fight shall meet Surt and
the g