round the whole earth, and when you raised it so high then did its
length barely suffice to enclose the earth between its head and tail.
Your wrestling match with Elli was, too, a great feat, for no one has
there been yet, and no one shall there be whom old age does not come and
trip up, if he but await her coming. Now we must part, and let me say
that it will be better for both of us if you never more come to seek me,
for I shall always defend my city with tricks, so that you will never
overcome me."

When Thor heard that he grasped his mace in a rage, and raised it to
hurl it at Utgard-Loki, but he had disappeared. Then Thor wanted to
return to the city, but he could see nothing but a wide fair plain. So
he turned, and went on his way till he came to Thrudvang, resolving if
he had an opportunity to attack the Midgard serpent.


HOW THOR WENT A-FISHING.

Thor had not been long at home before he left it so hastily that he did
not take his car, his goats, or any follower with him. He left Midgard
disguised as a young man, and when night was coming on, arrived at the
house of a giant, called Hymir. Thor stayed there as a guest for the
night, and when he saw in the morning that the giant rose, dressed
himself, and prepared to go out to sea-fishing in his boat, he begged
him to let him go also. Hymir said he was too little and young to be of
much use.

"And besides," added he, "you will die of cold, if I go so far out and
sit so long as I am accustomed."