27. But they from Gudrun carefully concealed it, yet rather by half she should have known it.[95]
28. A sound was heard of gold-shod hoofs, when into the court rode Giuki's heirs. * * * Of Hogni they the heart cut out, and into a serpent-pen the other cast.
29. I had gone yet once again to Geirmund, to prepare a banquet. * * * The brave king[96] began the harp to sound; for the prince of noble race hoped that I to his aid might come.
30. I it heard from Hlesey, how of trouble there the harp-strings sang.
31. I my thralls bade all be ready: I the prince's life would save. The vessel we let float past the forest,[97] until I saw all Atli's courts.
32. Then came Atli's miserable mother crawling forth:—may she perish!—she Gunnar pierced to the heart; so that the hero I could not save.
33. Oftentimes I wonder, woman gold-adorned![98] how I after can life retain; for I seemed the formidable sword-dispenser as myself to love:
34. Thou sitst and listenest, while I recount to thee many an evil fate, my own and theirs." Each one lives as he best may. Now is ended Oddrun's lament.
FOOTNOTES:
[93] For Brynhild's death.