It was the proud Dame Grimhild drew Her mantle o’er her head, And into the stone chamber To her warriors all she sped. “Here sit ye all my valiant men And drink the mead and wine; Now who will Hero Hogen slay, Though he be brother mine? “Whoe’er will do the doughty deed Of striking Hogen dead, Shall master of my castles be, And of my gold so red.” p. 21Then answered her a warrior, A baron of that land: “O I will earn the prize this day, Forsooth with this good hand. p. 21 “O I will do the doughty deed, Strike Hero Hogen dead; Then I will o’er thy castles rule, And o’er thy gold so red.” Then answered Folker Spillemand, With mighty iron spear: “I’ll set my mark upon thee, knave, Before thou scap’st from here.” And at the first blow he has laid Full fifteen warriors low: “Ha bravely, Folker Spillemand, You touch your fiddle bow!” He smote to death the warriors, A bridge of them he made; And broad and long I ween it was, Full rough with them he play’d. p. 22Above were laid the oxen hides, Below the pease so small; That trick has vanquished Hogen, He fell down first of all. p. 22 It was the Hero Hogen Would have bounded up with speed: “No, no, desist, my brother, Thou know’st what was agreed. “No, no, desist, my brother, Prove true to what you swore, If ever you should fall to earth You’d never rise up more.” So brave was Hero Hogen To his word he true was found; Upon his two knees stood he then, And got his mortal wound. But still three warriors slaughtered he, They were not of the least, Towards Hammeren went he then to find His father’s treasure-chest. p. 23Fortune was yet to him so kind, The damsel proud he won; And she was haughty Hvenild, He begot with her a son. p. 23 That gallant son, hight Ranke, Avenged his father well; Grimhild entombed by Niflung’s gold Of hunger-pain did yell. Then soon from out the land to Bern In Lombardy he strayed; And there ’mongst Danish men he was, And prowess high displayed.
Prev.
Back
Top