Sigurd.

36.  Evils are at hand, I can that perceive; Sigurd’s wits will have wholly perished, if I shall demand for another’s hand, a noble maiden whom I well love.

Gripir.

37.  All of you will swear mutual oaths, Gunnar, and Hogni, and thou the third; and ye will forms exchange, when on the way ye are, Gunnar and thou:  Gripir lies not.

Sigurd.

38.  To what end is that? why shall we exchange forms and manners, when on the way we are?  Another fraud will surely follow this, altogether horrible.  But say on, Gripir!

Gripir.

39.  Thou wilt have Gunnar’s semblance, and his manners, thy own eloquence, and great sagacity:  there thou wilt betroth the high-minded ward of Heimir:  no one can that prevent.

Sigurd.

40.  To me that seems worst, that among men I shall be a false traitor called, if such take place.  I would not deception practise on a royal maid the most excellent I know.

Gripir.

41.  Thou wilt repose, leader of hosts! pure with the maiden, as she thy mother were; therefore exalted, lord of men! while the world endures thy name will be.

42.  The nuptials will of both be solemnized, of Sigurd and of Gunnar, in Giuki’s halls; then will ye forms exchange, when ye home return; yet to himself will have each his own senses.

Sigurd.

43.  Will then Gunnar, chief among men, the noble woman wed?  Tell me that, Gripir! although three nights by me the chieftain’s bride glad of heart has slept?  The like has no example.

44.  How for happiness shall hereafter be this affinity?  Tell me that, Gripir!  Will the alliance for Gunnar’s solace henceforth prove, or even for mine?

Gripir.

45.  Thou wilt the oaths remember, and must silence keep, and let Gudrun enjoy a happy union.  Brynhild nathless will herself think an ill-married woman.  She will wiles devise to avenge herself.

Sigurd.

46.  What atonement will that woman take, for the frauds we shall have practised on her?  From me the maiden has oaths sworn, but never kept, and but little joy.

Gripir.

47.  She to Gunnar will plainly declare, that thou didst not well the oaths observe, when the noble king, Giuki’s heir, with his whole soul, in thee confided.

Sigurd.

48.  What will then follow? let me know that.  Will that tale appear as true, or that the noble woman falsely accuses me, and herself also.  Tell me that, Gripir!

Gripir.

49.  From spite towards thee, and from o’erwhelmmg grief, the powerful dame will not most wisely act.  To the noble woman do thou no further harm, though thou the royal bride with guiles hast circumvented.

Sigurd.

50.  Will the prudent Gunnar, Guthorm, and Hogni, at her instigation, then proceed?  Will Giuki’s sons on their relative redden their swords?  Tell me further, Gripir!