thrown over his shoulders, and his white beard fell in
sweeping waves almost to the sea-green floor. Very wise he
seemed, and he gazed at Siegfried with a kindly smile.

"Hail, Siegfried!" he cried. "Hail, prince with the gleaming
eye! I know thee, and I know the woof that the Norns have
woven for thee. Welcome to my lonely mountain home! Come and
sit by my side in the high-seat where man has never sat, and
I will tell thee of things that have been, and of things
that are yet to be."

Then Siegfried fearlessly went and sat by the side of the
ancient wise one. And long hours they talked
together,--strong youth and hoariest age; and each was glad
that in the other he had found some source of hope and
comfort. And they talked of the great midworld, and of the
starry dome above it, and of the seas which gird it, and of
the men who live upon it. All night long they talked, and in
the morning Siegfried arose to go.

"Thou hast not told me of thy errand," said Gripir; "but I
know what it is. Come first with me, and see this great
mid-world for thyself."

Then Gripir, leaning on his staff, led the way out of the
great hall, and up to the top of the highest mountain-crag.
And the wild eagles circled in the clear, cold air above
them; and far below them the white waves dashed against the
mountain's feet; and the frosty winds swept around them
unchecked, bringing to their ears the lone lamenting of the