before the twain.

Then said Brynhild, "This seat is for few, but and if my father
come."

He answered, "Yet is it granted to one that likes me well."

Now that chamber was hung with the best and fairest of hanging,
and the floor thereof was all covered with cloth.

Sigurd spake, "Now has it come to pass even as thou didst
promise."

"O be thou welcome here!" said she, and arose there with, and the
four damsels with her, and bore the golden beaker to him, and
bade him drink; he stretched oui his hand to the beaker, and took
it, and her hand withal, and drew her down beside him; and cast
his arms round about her neck and kissed her, and said --

"Thou art the fairest that was ever born!"

But Brynhild said, "Ah, wiser is it not to cast faith and troth
into a woman's power, for ever shall they break that they have
promised."

He said, "That day would dawn the best of days over our heads
whereon each of each should be made happy."

Brynhild answered, "It is not fated that we should abide
together; I am a shield-may, and wear helm on head even as the