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/388

 Than for the sorrowing In all circumstances.

Sigurd took Fafner's heart, put it on a spit and roasted it; but when he thought it must be roasted enough, and when the juice oozed out of the heart, he felt of it with his fingers to see whether it was well done. He burned himself, and put his finger into his mouth, but when the blood of Fafner's heart touched his tongue he understood the song of birds. He heard birds singing in the bushes, and seven birds sang a strophe each, talking about how Regin might avenge his brother, kill Sigurd, and possess the treasure alone, when Sigurd finally says:

Not so violent Will fate be, that Regin Shall announce my death; For soon shall both Brothers go Hence to Hel.

And he cut the head off Regin, ate afterwards Fafner's heart, and drank both his and Regin's blood. Then Sigurd heard the birds sing:

Sigurd! gather Golden rings; It is not royal To be smothered by fear. I know a maid Fairer than all Endowed with gold, If thou couldst but get her. To Gjuke lie Green paths, Fortune beckons The wanderers forward; There a famous king Has fostered a daughter,— Her thou, Sigurd, must win.