How oft in the gloaming would Gudmund sing
This song in my father’s hall.
There was somewhat in it—some strange, sad thing
That took my heart in thrall;
Though I scarce understood, I could ne’er forget—
And the words and the thoughts they haunt me yet.
[Stops horror-struck.
Rings of red gold! And a belt beside—!
’Twas with gold the Hill-King wedded his bride!
[In despair; sinks down on a bench beside the table on the left.