46.  Rapidly they their horses made to run, Svipud and Svegiud, to Solheimar, over dewy dales, dark mountain-sides; trembled the sea of mist, where the men went.

47.  The king they met at the burgh’s gate, to the prince announced the hostile advent.  Without stood Hodbrodd with helmet decked:  he the speed noticed of his kinsmen.  “Why have ye Hniflungs such wrathful countenances?”

48.  “Hither to the shore are come rapid keels, towering masts, and long yards, shields many, and smooth-shaven oars, a king’s noble host, joyous Ylfings.

49.  Fifteen bands are come to land; but there are out at sea, before Gnipalund, seven thousand blue-black ocean-beasts with gold adorned; there is by far their greatest multitude.  Now will Helgi not delay the conflict.”

Hodbrodd.

50.  “Let a bridled steed to the chief assembly run, but Sporvitnir to Sparinsheid; Melnir and Mylnir to Myrkvid; let no man stay behind of those who swords can brandish.

51.  Summon to you Hogni, and the sons of Hring, Atli and Yngvi, Alf the old; they will gladly engage in conflict.  We will let the Volsungs find resistance.”

52.  It was a whirlwind, when together came the fallow[52] blades at Frekastein:  ever was Helgi Hundingsbani foremost in the host, where men together fought:  ardent for battle, disdaining flight; the chieftain had a valiant heart.

53.  Then came a maid from heaven, helmed, from above—­the clash of arms increased—­for the king’s protection.  Then said Sigrun—­well skilled to fly to the host of heroes from Hugin’s grove—­[53]

54.  “Unscathed shalt thou, prince! possess thy people, pillar of Yngvi’s race! and life enjoy; thou hast laid low the slow of flight, the chief who caused the dread warrior’s death.  And thee, O king! well beseem both red-gold rings and a powerful maid:  unscathed shalt thou, prince! both enjoy, Hogni’s daughter, and Hringstadir, victory and lands:  then is conflict ended.”

FOOTNOTES: 

[Footnote 49:  That is, when they came to spin that period of his destiny.]

[Footnote 50:  Kolga Systir.  Kolga was one of the daughters of Oeglr and Ran; they were the waves.]

[Footnote 51:  Literally ring-breakers, or-dispensers.]

[Footnote 52:  It would appear that their swords were of bronze.]

[Footnote 53:  Hugin’s grove.  The raven’s grove, i.e., the battlefield, strewed with corpses, the raven’s food.]

THE SECOND LAY OF HELGI HUNDINGCIDE.

King Sigmund, son of Volsung, had to wife Borghild of Bralund.  They named their son Helgi, after Helgi Hiorvard’s son.  Helgi was fostered by Hagal.  There was a powerful king named Hunding, after whom the land was called Hundland.  He was a great warrior, and had many sons, who were engaged in warfare.  There was enmity, both open and concealed, between King Hunding and King Sigmund, and they slew each other’s kinsmen.  King Sigmund and his kindred were called Volsungs, and Ylfings.  Helgi went forth and secretly explored the court of King Hunding.  Heming, Hunding’s son, was at home.  On departing Helgi met a herdsman, and said: