31.  At eve they halted in Unavagar; the splendid ships might into port have floated, but the crews, from Svarinshaug, in hostile mood, espied the host.

32.  Then demanded the god-born Gudmund:  “Who is the chieftain that commands the fleet, and that formidable force brings to our land?”

33.  Sinfiotli said, slinging up on the yard a red-hued shield with golden rim;—­He at the strait kept watch, and able was to answer, and with nobles words exchange—­

34.  “Tell it at eve, when you feed your pigs, and your dogs lead to their food, that the Ylfings from the east are come, ready to fight at Gnipalund.

35.  Hodbrodd will Helgi find in the fleet’s midst, a king hard to make flee, who has oft the eagles sated, while thou wast at the mills, kissing the thrall-wenches.

Gudmund.

36.  Little dost thou remember of ancient saws, when of the noble thou falsehoods utterest.  Thou hast been eating wolves’ dainties, and of thy brother wast the slayer; wounds hast thou often sucked with cold mouth; every where loathed, thou hast crawled in caverns.

Sinfiotli.

37.  Thou wast a Valacrone in Varinsey, cunning as a fox, a spreader of lies.  Thou saidst thou no man wouldst ever marry, no corsleted warrior, save Sinfiotli.

38.  A mischievous crone wast thou, a giantess, a Valkyria, insolent, monstrous, in Alfather’s hall.  All the Einheriar fought with each other, deceitful woman! for thy sake.  Nine wolves we begat in Sagunes; I alone was father of them all.

Gudmund.

39.  Father thou wast not of Fenriswolves, older than all, as far as I remember; since by Gnipalund, the Thurs-maidens thee emasculated upon Thorsnes.

40.  Thou wast Siggeir’s stepson, at home under the benches layest, accustomed to the wolf’s howl out in the forests:  calamity of every kind came over thee, when thou didst lacerate thy brother’s breast.  Notorious thou mad’st thyself by thy atrocious works.

Sinfiotli.

41.  Thou wast Grani’s bride at Bravollr, hadst a golden bit, ready for the course.  Many a time have I ridden thee tired, hungry and saddled, through the fells, thou hag!

Gudmund.

42.  A graceless lad thou wast thought to be, when Gulnir’s goats thou didst milk.  Another time thou wast a giantess’s daughter, a tattered wretch.  Wilt thou a longer chat?

Sinfiotli.

43.  I rather would at Frekastein the ravens cram with thy carcase, than thy dogs lead to their meat, or thy hogs feed.  May the fiend deal with thee!

Helgi.

44.  “Much more seemly, Sinfiotli! would it be for you both in battle to engage, and the eagles gladden, than with useless words to contend, however princes[51] may foster hate.

45.  Not good to me appear Granmar’s sons, yet ’tis right that princes should speak the truth:  they have shown, at Moinsheimar, that they have courage to draw the sword.”—­