Bid him to parley, and inquire
'Gainst whom he teems with sullen ire.
SKIRNER:
Ill words I fear my lot will prove,
If I your son attempt to move;
If I bid parley, and inquire
Why teems his soul with savage ire.
Reluctantly Skirner then proceeded to Frey, and thus addressed him:
SKIRNER:
Prince of the gods, and first in fight!
Speak, honored Frey, and tell me right:
Why spends my lord the tedious day
In his lone hall, to grief a prey?
FREY:
Oh, how shall I, fond youth, disclose
To you my bosom's heavy woes?
The ruddy god[1] shines every day,
But dull to me his cheerful ray.
SKIRNER:
Your sorrows deem not I so great
That you the tale should not relate:
Together sported we in youth,
And well may trust each other's truth.
FREY:
In Gymer's court I saw her move,
The maid who fires my breast with love;
Her snow-white arms and bosom fair
Shone lovely, kindling sea and air.
Dear is she to my wishes, more
Than e'er was maid to youth before;
But gods and elves, I wot it well,
Forbid that we together dwell.
- ↑ The sun.
