Page:Norse mythology or, the religion of our forefathers, containing all the myths of the Eddas, systematized and interpreted with an introduction, vocabulary and index.djvu/165

 sleep-thorn, and declared that thenceforth she should never have victory in battle, and should be given in marriage. But, said she, I said to him that I had bound myself by a vow not to espouse any man who could be made to fear. Sigurd answers, and implores her to teach him wisdom, as she had intelligence from all worlds:

SIGDRIFA:

5. Beer I bear to thee, Column of battle! With might mingled, And with bright glory: 'Tis full of song, And salutary saws, Of potent incantations, And joyous discourses.

6. Sig-runes thou must know, If victory (sigr) thou wilt have, And on thy sword's hilt rist them; Some on the chapes, Some on the guard, And twice name the name of Tyr.

7. Öl-(ale-)runes thou must know, If thou wilt not that another's wife Thy trust betray, if thou In her confide. On the horn must they be risted, And on the hand's back, And Naud on the nail be scored.

8. A cup must be blessed, And against peril guarded, And garlick in the liquor cast; Then I know Thou wilt never have Mead with treachery mingled.