THE ELDER EDDA OF SAEMUND
gether, sons of victorious heroes, which is the bravest born. Many a one is bold, who sword has never broken in another's breast.
Regin.
25. Glad are thou now, Sigurd! and in thy gain rejoicing, while Gram in the grass thou driest. My brother thou to death hast wounded, yet in some degree was I the cause.
Sigurd.
26. Thou didst me counsel, that I should ride o'er high fells hither. Treasure and life had still possess'd that glistening serpent, hadst thou my anger not excited.
Regin then approached Fafnir and cut out his heart with a sword named Ridill, and afterwards drank blood from his wound. He said:
27. Sit now, Sigurd!—but I must go to sleep—and Fafnir's heart hold to the fire. Of this refection I would fain partake, after that drink of blood.
Sigurd.
28. Thou wentst far off, while I in Fafnir my keen sword reddened. With my strength I strove against the serpent's might, while in the ling thou layest.
Regin.
29. Long hadst thou allowed in the ling to lie that Jotun old, hadst thou the sword not used that I forged for thee, thy keen-edged glave.
Sigurd.
30. Valour is better than might of sword, when foes
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