THE FIRST LAY OF HELGI HUNDINGCIDE
with the warriors, that night go home?—then was a clash of arms!
17. One from her horse, Hogni's daughter, stilled the crash of shields, and to the leader said: "We have, I ween, other objects than with princely warriors to drink beer.
18. My father has his daughter promised to the fierce son of Granmar; but I have, Helgi! declared Hodbrodd, the proud prince, like to a cat's son.
19. That chief will come in a few days, unless thou him call to a hostile meeting; or the maiden take from the prince."
Helgi.
20. Fear thou not Isung's slayer; there shall be first a clash of foes, unless I am dead.
21. Thence sent messengers the potent prince through air and over water, succours to demand, and abundance of ocean's gleam to men to offer, and to their sons.
22. "Bid them speedily to the ships to go, and those from Brandey to hold them ready." There the king abode, until thither came warriors in hundreds from Hedinsey.
23. From the strands also, and from Stafnsnes, a naval force went out, with gold adorned. Helgi then of Hiorleif asked: "Hast thou mustered the valiant people?"
24. But the young king the other answered: "Slowly" said he "are counted from Tronuey the long-beaked ships, under the seafarers, which sail without in the Oresund,—
25. Twelve hundred faithful men; though in Hatun
139
