THE LAY OF HYNDLA
there is dark of darks; we will both to Valhall ride, and to the holy fane.
2. Let us Heriafather pray into our minds to enter, he gives and grants gold to the deserving. He gave to Hermod a helm and corslet, and from him Sigmund a sword received.
3. Victory to his sons he gives, but to some riches; eloquence to the great, and to men, wit; fair wind he gives to traders, but poesy to skallds; valour he gives to many a warrior.
4. She to Thor will offer, she to him will pray, that to thee he may be well disposed; although he bears ill will to Jotun females.
5. Now of thy wolves take one from out the stall; let him run with runic rein.[1]
Hyndla.
6. Sluggish is thy hog the god's way to tread:
Freyia.
7. I will my noble palfrey saddle.
Hyndla.
8. False are thou, Freyia! who temptest me: by thy eyes thou showest it, so fixed upon us; while thou thy man hast on the dead-road,[2] the young Ottar, Innstein's son.
9. Dull art thou, Hyndla! methinks thou dreamest, since thou sayest that my man is on the dead-road with me; there where my hog sparkles with its golden bristles, hight Hildisvini, which for me made the two skilful
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