That Skada might not sicken from unrequited love,
They bound her eyes, and bade her her skill in coursing prove:
’Twas Odin’s own proposal. “Begin the sport,” quoth he;
“Whom[62] she blindfolded catches, shall Skada’s husband be.”
Now like a sea-bird flutt’ring, the black-hair’d virgin stout
Rustled, and breath’d like whirlwind the spacious hall about:
The gods draw back; now forward they move; now halt, afraid;
No easy task they found it to shun the giant maid.
Though far more skill and swiftness th’ Asynior all could boast,
Before Iduna’s treasure was to Valhalla lost,