Regin.

29.  Long hadst thou allowed in the ling to lie that Jotun old, hadst thou the sword not used that I forged for thee, thy keen-edged glave.

Sigurd.

30.  Valour is better than might of sword, when foes embittered fight; for a brave man I have ever seen gain victory with a dull sword.

31.  For the brave ’tis better than for the timid to join in the game of war; for the joyous it is better than for the sad, let come whatever may.

Sigurd took Fafnir’s heart and roasted it on a stick.  When he thought it roasted enough, and the blood frothed from it, he touched it with his finger, to try whether it were quite done.  He burnt his finger and put it in his mouth; and when Fafnir’s heart’s blood touched his tongue he understood the language of birds.  He heard the eagles chattering among the branches.  One eagle said: 

38.  There sits Sigurd sprinkled with blood; Fafnir’s heart at the fire he roasts.  Wise methinks were the ring-dispenser, if he the glistening life-pulp ate.

Second eagle.

33.  There lies Regin communing with himself; he will beguile the youth, who in him trusts:  in rage he brings malicious words together, the framer of evil will avenge his brother.

Third eagle.

34.  By the head shorter, let him the hoary babbler send hence to Hel; then can he all the gold possess alone, the mass that under Fafnir lay.

Fourth eagle.

35.  He would, methinks, be prudent, if he could have your friendly counsel, my sisters!  If he would bethink himself, and Hugin gladden.  There I expect the wolf, where his ears I see.

Fifth eagle.

36.  Not so prudent is that tree of battle, as I that martial leader had supposed, if he one brother lets depart, now he the other has of life bereft.

Sixth eagle.

37.  He is most simple, if he longer spares that people’s pest.  There lies Regin, who has betrayed him.—­He cannot guard against it.

Seventh eagle.

38.  By the head shorter let him make the ice-cold Jotun, and of his rings deprive him; then of that treasure thou,[63] which Fafnir owned, sole lord wilt be!

Sigurd.

39.  Fate shall not so resistless be, that Regin shall my death-word bear; for the brothers both shall speedily go hence to Hel.

Sigurd cut off the head of Regin, and then ate Fafnir’s heart, and drank the blood of both Regin and Fafnir.  He then heard the eagles saying: 

40.  Bind thou, Sigurd! the red-gold rings.  It is not kingly many things to fear.  I a maid know by far the fairest, with gold adorned.  Couldst thou but her obtain!

Second eagle.

41.  To Giuki lead all-verdant ways; the fates point out to wayfarers where the good king a born daughter has; her wilt thou, Sigurd! purchase with bridal gifts.