Page:The Elder Edda and the Younger Edda - tr. Thorpe - 1907.djvu/111



2. Of their arms converse, and of their martial fame, the sons of the triumphant gods. Of the Æsir and the Alfar that are here within not one has a friendly word for thee.

3. I will go into Œgir's halls, to see the compotation. Strife and hate to the Æsir's sons I bear, and will mix their mead with bale.

4. Knowest thou not that if thou goest into Œgir's halls to see the compotation, but contumely and clamour pourest forth on the kindly powers, they will wipe it all off on thee?

5. Knowest thou not, Eldir, that if we two with bitter words contend, I shall be rich in answers, if thou sayest too much?

Loki then went into the hall, but when those present saw who was come in, they all sat silent.

6. I Lopt am come thirsty into this hall, from a long journey, to beseech the Æsir one draught to give me of the bright mead.

7. Why gods! are ye so silent, so reserved, that ye cannot speak? A seat and place choose for me at your board, or bid me hie me hence.

8. A seat and place will the Æsir never choose for 85