Page:Five Pieces of Runic Poetry.djvu/61

We fought with swords: this fills me still with joy, because I know a banquet is preparing by the father of the gods. Soon, in the splendid hall of Odin, we shall drink Beer^[1] out of the sculls of our enemies. A brave man shrinks not at death. I shall utter no repining words as I approach the palace of the gods.

We fought with swords. O that the sons of Aslauga^[2] knew; O that my children knew the sufferings of their father! that numerous serpents filled with poison tear me to pieces! Soon would

1. Beer and Mead were the only nectar of the northern nations. Odin alone of all the gods was supposed to drink Wine. Vid. Bartholin.
2. Aslauga was his second wife, whom he married after the death of Thora.