and at ease over riches rule, and in
tranquillity happiness enjoy."

17. This alone Hogni for answer gave: "It beseems us not so to do,
by the sword to break sworn oaths, oaths sworn, and plighted faith.

18. "We know not on earth men more fortunate, while we four over the
people rule, and the Hun lives, that warlike chief; nor on earth, a
race more excellent, if we five sons long shall foster, and the good
progeny can increase.

19. I know full well whence the causes spring: Brynhild's
importunity is over-great.

20. We will Guthorm, our younger brother, and not over-wise, for the
deed prepare: he is free from sworn oaths, sworn oaths, and plighted
faith."

21. Easy it was to instigate the ferocious spirit: in the heart of
Sigurd stood his sword.

22. On vengeance bent, the warrior in his chamber hurled his brand
after the fierce assassin; to Guthorm flew dartlike Gram's gleaming
steel from the king's hand.

23. Fell the murderer in two parts, arms and head flew far away, but
his feet's part fell backwards on the place.

24. Sunk in sleep was Gudrun, in her bed, void of cares, by Sigurd's
side: but she awoke of joys bereft, when in the blood of Frey's friend
she swam.

25. So violently struck she her hands together, that the stout of
heart rose in his bed. "Weep not, Gudrun! so cruelly, my blooming
bride! thy brothers live.

26. An heir I have, alas! too young; he cannot flee from the hostile
house; among themselves they recently have dark and evil counsels
devised.

27. Never henceforth, although seven thou bear, will such a son to
the trysting with them ride. Full well I know how this has befallen:
Brynhild the sole cause is of all the evil.

28. Me the maiden loved more than any man; but towards Gunnar I
sinned not; affinity I held sacred, and sworn oaths; thence forward I
was called his consort's friend."

29. The woman gave forth sighs, and the king his life. So violently
she struck her hands together, that the beakers on the wall responsive
rang, and in the court the geese loudly screamed.

30. Laughed then Brynhild, Budli's daughter, once only, from her
whole soul, when in her bed she listened to the loud lament of Giuki's
daughter.

31. Then said Gunnar, the hawk-bearing prince: "Laugh not thereat,
thou barbarous woman! glad on thy couch, as if good awaited thee. Why
hast thou lost that beauteous colour? authoress of crime! Methinks to
death thou art doomed.

32. Well dost thou deserve,