When Skirnir met them, he bared his sword,

(On the flow’rets the dew-drops shine)

And thus address’d them with threat’ning word:

“Hear me, little masters mine!

“By Odin’s order I crave your aid

(The sunbeams redden the sky)

For Fenris wolf a fetter to braid;

This instant your labours ply!

“If not, I will slay ye both, I swear.”

(The birds on the trees sing sweet)