e his own great throne of gold; and they looked with
approval also on the buxom form of the waiting-maid, who stood,
closely veiled, behind her mistress' chair.

Now the journey had been long and cold, and it was with joy that the
new-comers noticed that the preparations for the banquet were
complete, for they were exceedingly hungry.

The giants are huge eaters, and they gathered round the board, whereon
were displayed an enormous ox roasted whole, a vast dish of salmon and
various other dainties. But because the bride was a woman, and modest
withal, they brought her tiny morsels on a dainty golden plate.

This was too much for Thor, who had always possessed a most healthy
appetite, and was now more than usually ready for his supper.
Gradually drawing nearer to the table, whilst the others were busy
with the meal, he managed to get hold of the dish of roasted ox, and
within a few minutes the whole of the animal had disappeared.

Then he put out his hand to the platter of salmon, and in eight
mouthfuls disposed of eight of the great fish. After this he noticed a
large plate full of cakes and sweetmeats, which was set apart for the
ladies of the party. Of these, too, he made short work. Finally,
feeling thirsty after his huge meal, he took up two barrels of mead,
and tossed them off, one after another, down his capacious throat.
Then he sat back on his chair with a sigh of deep content.

These proceedings had been watched by Loki with uneasiness, but by
Thrym with open-mouthed dismay. Was this the usual appetite of this
dainty maiden, who had eaten more than the company of giants? But Loki
bent towards him and whispered in his ear that the thought of marrying
had so excited Freya that she had eaten nothing for eight days, and
had therefore been on the point of starvation.

This reassured the giant, and being now himself filled with mead he
drew nearer and, lifting a corner of the veil, tried to kiss the cheek
of his future bride.

But Thor, who was longing to be at close grips with him, threw him
such a fiery glance that he drew quickly back, saying: "Why does fair
Freya's eye burn like a spark from a furnace?" "Pooh!" whispered Loki
again, "that is nothing but her love for you, which for eight days has
raged like a flaming fire."

This news was still more pleasant to hear, and Thrym, in high good
humour, cried: "Bring in the hammer, my wedding gift, wherewith to
plight the maid. For when I have laid it on her l