they did talk They thought that quite alone were they; But one stood near, and lent an ear To every word that they did say. p. 15 Shame, shame befall the wicked maid, ’Twas she brought much mishap to pass; She sly removed the sword approved Of Hafbur, and the new cuirass. When she had removed the sword approved, And Hafbur’s good cuirass beside; To the hall away where Sivard lay The wicked maiden swiftly hied. “Awake, awake, good Sivard King, Too much of sleep is in thy head! Prince Hafbur know is lying now With Signild fair in silken bed.” “O young Prince Hafbur is not here, And it is false what thou hast told; To the Eastern main his way he’s ta’en, With Russ and Finman fight to hold. p. 16“So hold thy peace, thou wicked wench, Nor lying tongue ’gainst Signe turn; Ere morn shall dye the Eastern sky For thy foul slander thou shalt burn.” p. 16 “Now do thou hear, my noble Lord, Believe me all my words are true! For see, I have his polished glaive, And his cuirass of beaming blue.” So wroth grew Sivard at the sight, And loud around he ’gan to shout: “Upstand ye all my merry men tall, For here is come a Kemp so stout. “Now take ye brand and shield in hand, And look ye wield them both aright; Unto our home is Hafbur come, Unasked by me, the hard necked wight.” Upon the door they struck with power, With shield and faulchion struck they hard: “Come out, come out, young Bear,” they shout, “Come out unto the castle yard.” p. 17When that heard she, proud Signelil Her lily hands she fell to wring: “Ah! dost not hear, Prince Hafbur dear, How they for thee are clamouring?” p. 17 Praise be to Hafbur, princely youth, Against a host he made a stand; They could not all the youth enthrall Till snapped the bed post in his hand. They Hafbur took, and him they placed In shackles strong and newly made; But them in twain he burst amain, As had they only been of lead. Then raised the ancient maid her voice, And cursèd counsel came from her: “Bind yonder Bear with Signe’s hair, And hand or foot he will not stir.
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