A spell pronounced,
An answer demanded,
Until compelled she rose
And with death-like voice she said:
THE VALA:
What man is this,
To me unknown,
Who has for me increased
An irksome course?
I have with snow been decked,
By rain beaten,
And with dew moistened,—
Long have I been dead.
VEGTAM:
Vegtam is my name,
I am Valtam's son.
Tell thou me of Hel;
From earth I call on thee.
For whom are these benches
Strewed o'er with rings,—
Those costly couches
O'erlaid with gold?
THE VALA:
Here stands mead
For Balder brewed,
Over the bright drink
A shield is laid;
But the race of gods
Is in despair.
By compulsion I have spoken,
Now will I be silent.
VEGTAM:
Be not silent, vala!
I will question thee
Until all I know:
I will yet know
Who will Balder's
Slayer be.
