ok ye wield them both aright;
Unto our home is Hafbur come,
Unasked by me, the hard necked wight."

Upon the door they struck with power,
With shield and faulchion struck they hard:
"Come out, come out, young Bear," they shout,
"Come out unto the castle yard."

When that heard she, proud Signelil
Her lily hands she fell to wring:
"Ah! dost not hear, Prince Hafbur dear,
How they for thee are clamouring?"

Praise be to Hafbur, princely youth,
Against a host he made a stand;
They could not all the youth enthrall
Till snapped the bed post in his hand.

They Hafbur took, and him they placed
In shackles strong and newly made;
But them in twain he burst amain,
As had they only been of lead.

Then raised the ancient maid her voice,
And cursed counsel came from her:
"Bind yonder Bear with Signe's hair,
And hand or foot he will not stir.

"Sirs, straightway bind ye Hafbur's hands
With one of Signe's silken hairs;
That little hair he will not dare
To break, such love for her he bears."

And they took two of Signild's hairs,
And bound with them his mighty hands;
Such love possest the Hero's breast,
He would not burst the tiny bands.

Then out and spake proud Signelil,
Adown her cheeks the tears ran fast:
"O Hafbur tear the paltry hair,
Thy Signe's free consent thou hast."

And they placed Hafbur, son of the King,
Fast bounden in the castle hall;
Both maid and dame to see him came,
And his own maiden first of all.

They Hafbur took, the son of the King,
And in strong irons him they laid;
In woeful mood before him stood
Full speedily his loving maid.

To him with burning tears she spake:
"If Hafbur thou consent will give,
My good aunts three on bended knee
Shall intercede that thou shalt live.

"My father threatens steadfastly
To hang thee on the oaken bough,
Upon the moor at early hour
Before again the sun shall glow."

Then answered young King Hafbur bold,
And in high wrath the Hero spake:
"Too light I heed my life, to need
That women prayer for me should make.

"Hear, Signild, hear, do thou show clear
This day for me thy love is great;
When in the string thou see me swing
Within thy bower burn thee straight."

Then answered him proud Signelil,
With streaming eyes and heaving breast:
"By the God above, my dearest love,
I'll grant to thee thy last request."

From out the gate they Hafbur led,
The