“Sirs, straightway bind ye Hafbur’s hands With one of Signe’s silken hairs; That little hair he will not dare To break, such love for her he bears.”

p. 18And they took two of Signild’s hairs, And bound with them his mighty hands; Such love possest the Hero’s breast, He would not burst the tiny bands.

p. 18

Then out and spake proud Signelil, Adown her cheeks the tears ran fast: “O Hafbur tear the paltry hair, Thy Signe’s free consent thou hast.”

And they placed Hafbur, son of the King, Fast bounden in the castle hall; Both maid and dame to see him came, And his own maiden first of all.

They Hafbur took, the son of the King, And in strong irons him they laid; In woeful mood before him stood Full speedily his loving maid.

To him with burning tears she spake:  “If Hafbur thou consent will give, My good aunts three on bended knee Shall intercede that thou shalt live.

p. 19“My father threatens steadfastly To hang thee on the oaken bough, Upon the moor at early hour Before again the sun shall glow.”

p. 19

Then answered young King Hafbur bold, And in high wrath the Hero spake: “Too light I heed my life, to need That women prayer for me should make.

“Hear, Signild, hear, do thou show clear This day for me thy love is great; When in the string thou see me swing Within thy bower burn thee straight.”

Then answered him proud Signelil, With streaming eyes and heaving breast: “By the God above, my dearest love, I’ll grant to thee thy last request.”

From out the gate they Hafbur led, The King’s good son, at solemn pace; For him sore cried all him that eyed, So hard and stern they thought his case.

p. 20And when they reached the verdant plain, Where he the gallant youth should die; He begged he might have a short respite, He’d prove his Signe’s constancy.

p. 20

“Do ye hang up my mantle red, That Sivard King the same may see; He may repent, and yet prevent Young Hafbur’s hanging on a tree.”

When Signild proud the mantle saw, The sight it pierced her like a knife: “He’s dead,” she thought, “it 

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