Poesie und Prosa des
Mittelalters_, pp. 185-187.]

[Footnote 10: For further ballads on the story of Hromund
Greipsson, cf. Andrews, _Studies in the Fornaldarsoegur
Northrlanda_, in _Modern Philology_, 1911, 1912.]

GRIPLUR I

9. Olaf was a mighty Prince
Who governed Hoerthaland.
The brave folk dwelling along the coast
He guarded with his hand.

10. Gnoethar-Asmund, the Prince's father,
A peerless man was he;
By many a battle he reft from Kings
Their land and territory.

11. In the stern of the King's ship Kari stood,
And of heroes many another;
In strength of limb had he never a peer;
And Oernulf was his brother.

12. The King and his warriors reddened their swords
In the blood of wicked men;
But no man travelling with merchandise
Got any hurt from them.

13. The Prince brought joy to his followers' hearts,
With Draupnir's beautiful blood.
A franklin who better were named a burgess
Beside the princes stood.

14. Grip was a man who stirred up strife,
Eager with blade for slaughter.
This hero's wife was a good woman:
Of Hrok the Black was she daughter.

15. Grip and Gunnloeth, his good wife,
They had nine sons in all:
(Clever verses are made about them)
And _Hroek_ did they every one call!

16. Hromund was a son of Grip,
Eldest of the brothers was he;
His heart knew never aught of fear,
Nor faltered his valiancy.

17. Hrolf must I add, Hoegni, Haki and Gaut,
And Throest with the other five;
Angantyr and Helgi whose lot it was
In the fortunes of war to thrive.

18. Logi was youngest (a tiny lad)
Of the sons of the worthy pair;
Hromund alone sallied forth to fight in battle,
And the rest stayed at home where they were.

19. The hero feared neither fire nor sword
When shields clashed in the fray;
His shoulders were broad, and shining his hair.
And kindly and keen was his eye.

20. He never fled or deserted the host,
But poured forth darts on the shield;--
Faithful and true in courage was he
As a hero should be in the field.

21. His wicked foe did he slay with might--
He knew no fear of pain;
And all his noble courage and valour
From his kinsman Hroek did he gain.

22. Two villains were there with the King,
Deep-versed in magic arts.
I swear those brothers Bild and Vali
Both had evil hearts!

23.