This page has been validated.
190
SONGS FROM THE EDDA.
Upraised he turned
From the talk and the trouble,
To where the gem-field
Dealt out goodly treasure;
As she looked and beheld
All the wealth that she had,
And the hungry bondmaids,
And maids of the hall.

With no good in her heart
She donned her gold byrny,
Ere she thrust the sword-point
Through the midst of her body:
On the bolster’s far side
Sank she adown,
And, smitten with sword,
Still bethought her of redes.

“Let all come forth
Who are fain the red gold,
Or things less worthy
To win from my hands;
To each one I give
A necklace gilt over,
Wrought hangings and bed-gear,
And bright woven weed.”

All they kept silence,
And thought what to speak,
Then all at once
Answer gave: