Page:Norse mythology or, the religion of our forefathers, containing all the myths of the Eddas, systematized and interpreted with an introduction, vocabulary and index.djvu/357

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Njord had the consolation, when he was sent as hostage to the gods, that he begat a son whom no one hates, but who is the best among the gods. Thus the Elder Edda, in Æger's banquet to the gods, where Loke also was present:


NJORD:

It is my consolation—
For I was from a far-off place
Sent as a hostage to the gods—
That I begat that son[1]
Whom no one hates,
And who is regarded
Chief among the gods.

To which Loke makes reply:

Hold thy tongue, Njord!
Subdue thy arrogance;
I will conceal it no longer
That with thy sister
A son thou didst beget
Scarcely worse than thyself.

But Tyr defends Frey:

Frey is the best
Of all the chiefs
Among the gods.
He causes not tears
To maids or mothers:
His desire is to loosen the fetters
Of those enchained.


LOKE:

Hold thy tongue, Tyr!
Never thou couldst
Use both hands,[2]
Since thy right one,

  1. Frey.
  2. See p. 271.