34.  Gunnar! will tell thee, though thou well knowest it, how early we resolved on crimes.  I was o’er-young and unrestrained, with wealth endowed, in my brother’s house.

35.  Nor did I desire to marry any man, before ye Giukungs rode to our dwelling, three on horseback, powerful kings:  would that journey had never been!

36.  Then myself I promised to the great king, who with gold sat on Grani’s back.  In eyes he did not you resemble, nor was at all in aspect like:  yet ye thought yourselves mighty kings.

37.  And to me apart Atli said, that he would not have our heritage divided, nor gold nor lands, unless I let myself be married, nor grant me any part of the acquired gold, which he to me a girl had given to possess, and to me a child in moneys counted.

38.  Then distracted was my mind thereon, whether I should engage in conflict, and death dispense, valiant in arms, for my brother’s quarrel.  That would then be world-widely known, and to many a one bring heartfelt anguish.

39.  Our reconciliation we let follow:  to me it had been more pleasing the treasures to accept, the red-gold rings of Sigmund’s son:  nor did I another’s gold desire; him alone I loved, none other.  Menskogul[75] had not a changing mind.

40.  All this will Atli hereafter find, when he shall hear of my funeral rites completed; for never shall the heavy-hearted woman with another’s husband pass her life.  Then will my wrongs be all avenged.”

41.  Up rose Gunnar, prince of warriors, and round his consort’s neck laid his hands; all drew nigh, yet each one singly, through honest feeling, to dissuade her.

42.  She from her neck those about her cast; she let no one stay her from her long journey.

43.  He then called Hogni to consultation.  “I will that all our folk to the hall be summoned, thine with, mine—­now ’tis most needful—­to see if we can hinder my consort’s fatal course, till from our speech a hindrance may come:  then let us leave necessity to rule.”

44.  To him Hogni answer gave:  “Let no one hinder her from the long journey, whence may she never born again return.  Unblest she came on her mother’s lap, born in the world for ceaseless misery, for many a man’s heartfelt sorrow.”

45.  Downcast he from the meeting turned to where the lady treasures distributed.  She was viewing all she owned:  hungry female thralls and chamber-women.  She put on her golden corslet—­no good meditated—­ere herself she pierced, with the sword’s point.

46.  On the pillow she turned to> the other side, and, wounded with the glave, on her last counsels thought.

47.  “Now let come those who desire gold, and aught less precious, to receive from me.  To every one I give a gilded necklace,[76] needle-work and coverlets, splendid weeds.”

48.  All were silent, thought on what to do, and all together answer gave:  “Too many are there dead:  we will yet live, still be hungry hall-servants, to do what fitting is.”