Introductory Note
Project Gutenberg EPUB3 edition
Bellows, Henry Adams
From a journey hard to thy hall;
Welcome I look for, | for long have I fared,
And gentle greeting, giant.”
Vafthruthnir spake:
9. “Why standest thou there | on the floor whilst thou speakest?
A seat shalt thou have in my hall; [71]
Then soon shall we know | whose knowledge is more,
The guest’s or the sage’s gray.”
Othin spake:
10. “If a poor man reaches | the home of the rich,
Let him wisely speak or be still;
For to him who speaks | with the hard of heart
Will chattering ever work ill.”
Vafthruthnir spake:
11. “Speak forth now, Gagnrath, | if there from the floor
Thou wouldst thy wisdom make known:
What name has the steed | that each morn anew
The day for mankind doth draw?”
Othin spake:
12. “Skinfaxi is he, | the steed who for men
The glittering day doth draw;
The best of horses | to heroes he seems,
And brightly his mane doth burn.”
Vafthruthnir spake:
13. “Speak forth now, Gagnrath, | if there from the floor [72]
Thou wouldst thy wisdom make known:
What name has the steed | that from East anew
Brings night for the noble gods?”
Othin spake:
14. “Hrimfaxi name they | the steed that anew
Brings night for the noble gods;
Each morning foam | from his bit there falls,
And thence come the dews in the dales.”
Vafthruthnir spake:
15. “Speak forth now, Gagnrath, | if there from the floor
Thou wouldst thy wisdom make known:
What name has the river | that ’twixt the realms
Of the gods and the giants goes?”
Othin spake:
16. “Ifing is the river | that ’twixt the realms