XXI.

RING'S DRAPA.

Sepultured sits he, Sovereign descended, Battle sword by him, Buckler on arm; Chafes his good charger Champing impatient, Pawing with gold-hoof The gate of the grave.

Ring, great in riches, Rideth o'er Bifrost; Bends with its burden, Bridge of the gods. Wide for his welcome Valhal it opens, Hands to the hero Heaven extends.

Absent is Asa-Thor,

## Active in warfare.

Beckoned by Odin The beaker is brought; Frey the king graces With garlands of grain-ears, Blossoms the bluest Binds Frigg therein.

Graspeth the gold-string, Gray-bearded Brage, Stiller now sigheth The song than before; Freyja the faithful, Fondly reclining. Bends o'er the board and Burneth to hear.

"Sing high the smiting Of sword upon helmet, Boisterous billows, Bloody for aye; Power, the gift of Gods ever gracious, Bitter as berserk Biting the shield.

"Hence was the hero-king, Heaven-born dear to us, Showing his shield A shelter for peace. Power's embodiment Plainly impersonate, Soared like a sacrifice- Smoke to the sky.

"Words full of wisdom Wise Odin chooseth Sitting with Saga Sokvabek's maid. Such, too, the saying Spoke by the monarch, Fair as of Mimer Flows the clear fount.

"Forsete faithful All feuds adjusteth, Sitting serenely By the side of Urd's spring; Thus high enthroned Thou, king beloved, Potently pleadest For peace in the land.

"Niggard in nothing, Near and far strewed he Beauty and blessing, Bought with his gold; Gave he most gladly Guerdon unstinted, Sadness he solaced, Suffering relieved.

"Welcome, thou wisest Winner of Valhal! Long thou'lt be lauded, Loved of the North. Brage, the bearded, Bears thee the mead-horn, Favored of fortune, Friend from below."