THE FIRST LAY OF HELGI HUNDINGCIDE
1. It was in times of yore, when the eagles screamed, holy waters fell from the heavenly hills; then to Helgi, the great of soul, Borghild gave birth in Bralund.
2. In the mansion it was night: the Norns came, who should the prince's life determine. They him decreed a prince most famed to be, and of leaders accounted best.
3. With all their might they span the fatal threads, when that [he] burghs should overthrow[1] in Bralund. They stretched out the golden cord, and beneath the middle of the moon's mansion fixed it.
4. East and west they hid the ends, where the prince had lands between; towards the north Neri's sister cast a chain, which she bade last for ever.
5. One thing disquieted the Ylfing's offspring, and the woman who had the child brought forth. Sitting on a lofty tree, on prey intent, a raven to a raven said: "I know something.
6. Stands cased in mail Sigmund's son, one day old: now is our day come. His eyes are piercing as a warrior's; the wolf's friend is he: we shall rejoice!"
7. He to the folk appeared a noble chief to be; among men 'twas said that happy times were come; went the king himself from the din of war, noble garlic to bring to the young prince;
8. Gave him the name of Helgi, and Hringstadir,
- ↑ That is, when they came to spin that period of his destiny.
137
