FOOTNOTES: 

[Footnote 41:  The events related in this strophe are probably a mere perversion, by the poet, of what we know oL Niord’s history.]

THE LAY OF FIOLSVITH.

1.  From the outward wall he saw one ascending to the seat of the giant race.

Fiolsvith.

Along the humid ways haste thee back hence, here, wretch! is no place for thee.

2.  What monster is it before the fore-court standing, and hovering round the perilous flame?  Whom dost thou seek?  Of what art thou in quest?  Or what, friendless being! desirest thou to know?

Wanderer.

3.  What monster is that, before the fore-court standing, who to the wayfarer offers not hospitality?  Void of honest fame, prattler! hast thou lived:  but hence hie thee home.

Fiolsvith.

4.  Fiolsvith is my name; wise I am of mind, though of food not prodigal.  Within these courts thou shalt never come:  so now, wretch! take thyself off.

Wanderer.

5.  From the eye’s delight few are disposed to hurry, where there is something pleasant to be seen.  These walls, methinks, shine around golden halls.  Here I could live contented with my lot.

Fiolsvith.

6.  Tell me, youth; of whom thou art born, or of what race hast sprung.

Wanderer.

7.  Vindkald I am called, Varkald was my father named, his sire was Fiolkald.

8.  Tell me, Fiolsvith! that which I will ask thee, and I desire to know:  who here holds sway, and has power over these lands and costly halls?

Fiolsvith.

9.  Menglod is her name, her mother her begat with Svaf, Thorin’s son.  She here holds sway, and has power over these lands and costly halls.

Vindkald.

10.  Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what the grate is called, than which among the gods mortals never saw a greater artifice?

Fiolsvith.

11.  Thrymgioll it is called, and Solblindi’s three sons constructed it:  a fetter fastens, every wayfarer, who lifts it from its opening.

Vindkald.

12.  Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what that structure is called, than which among the gods mortals never saw a greater artifice?

Fiolsvith.

13.  Gastropnir it is called, and I constructed it of Leirbrimir’s limbs.  I have so supported it, that it will ever stand while the world lasts.

Vindkald.

14.  Tell me, Fiolsvith! etc., what those dogs are called, that chase away the giantesses, and safety to the fields restore?

Fiolsvith.

15.  Gifr the one is called, the other Geri, if thou that wouldst know.  Eleven watches they will keep, until the powers perish.

Vindkald.