riend: he the damsel wrapt
in a warm coverlet five whole winters, so that from her father she was
hidden.

8. They, I ween, spoke not more than this: kindly she went to sit at
the damsel's knee. Vehemently sang Oddrun, fervently sang Oddrun songs
of power over Borgny.

9. A girl and boy might then tread the mould-way, gentle babes, born
of Hogni's bane. Then began to speak the death-sick damsel, who before
had no word uttered.

10. "So may thee help the benignant genii, Frigg and Freyia, and
other gods besides, as thou hast from me peril removed!"

11. "I was not inclined to give thee help, because thou never wast
of succour worthy: I vowed, and have performed what I then said--when
the princes the heritage divided, that I would ever help afford."

_Borgny_.

12. Mad art thou, Oddrun! and hast lost thy wits, when in hostile
spirit most of thy words thou utterest; for I have been thy companion
upon the earth, as if from brothers we both were born.

_Oddrun_.

13. I remember yet what thou one evening saidst, when I for Gunnar,
a compotation made. Such a case, saidst thou, would not thenceforth
happen, to any maiden, save to me alone."

14. Then sat down the sorrowing lady to tell her woes, from her
great grief:

15. "I was nurtured in the kingly hall, I was the joy of many in the
council of men. Life I enjoyed, and my father's wealth, five winters
only, while my father lived.

16. These last words the noble-hearted king strove to utter, ere he
departed hence.

17. He bade me be endowed with ruddy gold, and in the south be given
to Grimhild's son. He said no maiden could more excellent in the world
be born, if fate willed it not otherwise.

18. Brynhild in her bower was occupied in broidery: she had people
and lands around her. Earth slumbered, and the heavens above, when
Fafnir's bane her burgh first saw.

19. Then was conflict waged with the Walish sword, and the burgh
taken which Brynhild owned. It was not long--which was not
surprising--ere she discovered all those frauds.

20. These she caused cruelly to be avenged, so that we all have
great afflictions. Known it will be through every land of men, that
she caused herself to die with Sigurd.

21. But I for Gunnar, rings' dispenser, love conceived, such as
Brynhild should. But he Brynhild bade a helmet take, said she a
Valkyria should become.

22. They forthwith offered[93] ruddy rings to my brother, and
indemnity not small. He[94] besides offer