"O daughters of earls," said the Helper, "what tidings then do ye bear?
Is it grief in the merry morning, or joy or wonder or fear?"

Quoth the first: "It is grief for the foemen that the Masters of
God-home would grieve."

Said the next: "'Tis a wonder of wonders, that the hearkening world
shall believe."

"A fear of all fears," said the third, "for the sword is uplifted on
men."

"A joy of all joys," said the fourth, "once come, and it comes not
again!"

"Lo, son," said the ancient Helper, "glad sit the earls and the lords!
Lookst thou not for a token of tidings to follow such-like words?"

Saith King Elf: "Great words of women! or great hath our dwelling
become."

Said the women: "Words shall be greater, when all folk shall praise
our home."

"What then hath betid," said King Elf, "do the high Gods stand in
our gate?"

"Nay," said they, "else were we silent, and they should be telling
of fate."