him, hand in hand.

Excuse me my astonishment, fair war-maids!

THE FIRST. Hail to thee dauntless warrior, bane of Gelder!

THE SECOND. Hail to thee, Skoldung, valiant son of Hothbrod!

THE THIRD. Hail, hail to thee, my Hother, Leire's ruler!

HOTHER (astonished.) Ye know me!

THE THIRD. Yes, thou noble youth, and love thee!

HOTHER. Your goodness overwhelms me--to what godhead
Stand I indebted for this lucky meeting?

THE FIRST. I bring to thee a spear to fight with heroes!

THE SECOND. And this, I hand to thee, can slaughter demons!

THE THIRD. This spear is excellent in fight with Jotuns.

HOTHER. How shall I e'er repay these costly presents?

THE FIRST. Be valiant! fight! send battle's sons to Valhall!

THE SECOND. Extend the Danish sway and Odin's worship!

THE THIRD. The sire of many warlike kings of Leire!