THE FIRST LAY OF SIGURD FAFNICIDE
noble prince! in thy mind be borne; for while mankind exists, thy name, director of the spear-storm! will be supreme.
Sigurd.
24. The worst seems to me, that Sigurd is compelled from the king to part in such uncertainty. Show me the way—all is decreed before—great chieftain! if thou wilt, my mother's brother!
Gripir.
25. To Sigurd I will now openly tell, since the chieftain me thereto compels: thou wilt surely find that I lie not. A certain day is for thy death decreed.
Sigurd.
26. I would not importune the mighty prince, but rather Gripir's good counsel have. Now I fain would know, though grateful it may not be, what prospect Sigurd has lying before him.
Gripir.
27. There is with Heimir a maiden fair of form, she is by men Brynhild named, daughter of Budli; but the dear king Heimir nurtures the hard-souled damsel.
Sigurd.
28. What is it to me, although the maiden be of aspect fair? nurtured with Heimir? That thou, Gripir! must fully declare; for thou foreseest my whole destiny.
Gripir.
29. She will thee bereave of almost every joy, the fair-faced foster-child of Heimir. Thou wilt not sleep,
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