Page:The land of enchantment (1907, Cassell).djvu/130

 The other gods urged him also, and unwillingly Thor submitted and decked himself in bridal robes. Round his neck he placed Freya’s gleaming necklace; from his girdle hung keys, and over his face a long veil, so that none could see that he was a god. Loki dressed himself as his maid, and he was pleasant to look upon as they set forth on Thor’s chariot. The earth shook, sparks flew from the rocks, as the goats hastened upon their way. Thrym had prepared all things for his wedding feast, and sent abroad his invitations.

“Of cattle and wealth I have abundance,” said he. “All that was wanting to me was Freya as my wife, and now she is coming hither.”

Thor and Loki reached their destination, and entered the hall where the guests awaited them, and all marvelled at the tall and stately bride. Then Thrym advanced to greet her, as was fitting, and led her to her place at the banquet. But if the guests had wondered at the stature of the bride, they were no less amazed at her appetite. Thor alone devoured an entire ox, eight salmon, and all the sweetmeats that were prepared for the women.

Thrym watched in amazement. “Full many a bride have I seen,” said he, “but never in my life saw I one eat so greedily.”

Loki, the quick-witted, made answer with his guileful tongue. “For eight long nights Freya has touched no food, so great was her longing to reach Giant Land.”

Then Thrym was well pleased; but again his astonishment could not be concealed when his bride alone emptied three hogsheads of mead. “Many a bride have I seen,” said he, “but never saw I bride who drank like mine.”

But Loki, the ready-witted, again made answer. “For eight nights no drop has passed Freya’s lips, so great was her longing for Giant Land.”

Then the giant turned to lift his bride’s veil and press a kiss on the fair brow. But in dismay he sprang back the whole length of the hall. “Terrible,” he cried, “is Freya’s flaming eye; her glance went through me like burning fire.”

“‘Tis small wonder,” returned Loki quickly. “For eight long nights Freya has not closed her eyes, so great was her longing for Giant Land.”

Then Thrym was satisfied, and now his sister drew near to the bride. “If you would win my love and affection,” said she, “you must pay for them with rings of red gold.”