“Of his wars and his prowess
With wonder I’ve heard;
Now speak of his wives
And his women, O bird!”
“He had damsels from Holmygg
And Hordaland, too;
And damsels from Hedemark
Dainty of hue;
But he sent them with gifts
To their countries again,
When he wedded Ranhilda
The beautiful Dane.”
Valkyrie.
“I warrant he’s bounteous!
And well doth reward
The warriors and gallants
His kingdom who guard.”
Raven.
“O, yes, he is bounteous!
And bravely they fare
Who in Harald’s dominions
Hew food for the bear;
With coin he presents them,
And keen polish’d glaives,
With mail from Hungaria
And Osterland slaves.”
“O happy lives have they
Who help him in war,
Can run to the mast-head
Or manage the oar;
Make the row-locks to creak,
And the row-bench to crack,
And in their lord’s service
Are never found slack.”
Valkyrie.