Not birth; since ’tis well known the gods among,

That Thor and Odin both from nothing sprung,

Like insects, at Alfader’s nod; though now

On Valhall’s throne they sit with radiant brow.”

To him replied the lively Gerda: “Love,

For what we know not, we can never prove.

I know my native vale, each rock, each field,

But Frey or Valhall ne’er my eyes beheld.

Me hath he never seen; whence springs his flame

At once so ardent for the mountain dame?