THE ELDER EDDA OF SAEMUND
A serving-maid.
15. A man is here without, dismounted from his horse's back: he lets his steed browse on the grass.
Gerd.
16. Bid him enter into our hall, and drink of the bright mead; although I fear it is my brother's slayer who waits without.
17. Who is this of the Alfar's, or of the Æsir's sons, or of the wise Vanir's? Why art thou come alone, through the hostile fire, our halls to visit?
Skirnir.
18. I am not of the Alfar's, nor of the Æsir's sons, nor of the wise Vanir's; yet I am come alone, through the hostile fire, your halls to visit.
19. Apples all-golden I have here eleven: these I will give thee, Gerd, thy love to gain, that thou mayest say that Frev to thee lives dearest.
Gerd.
20. The apples eleven I never will accept for any mortal's pleasure; nor will I and Frey, while our lives last, live both together.
Skirnir.
21. The ring too I will give thee, which was burnt with the young son of Odin. Eight of equal weight will from it drop, every ninth night.
Gerd.
22. The ring I will not accept, burnt though it may
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