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 with him. “For,” said he, “men and gods are desolate without him, and the whole world is wrapped in grief at his death.”

“Is Balder, truly, so beloved?” asked Hel. “If that be so, give me proof thereof. If all things on earth, living or dead, weep for him, then shall he return. But if there is any one thing that will not weep, then must he abide with me.”

Hermodhr′s mission was at an end, and he prepared to depart. Balder took leave of him, and sent the ring Draupnir to his father Odin, as a token, and Nanna sent gifts to Frigg. Hermodhr rode back to Asgard, and told the gods all that he had seen and heard. Messengers went forth through all the world, and bade all things weep for Balder, that he might return to gladden the hearts of gods and men. Then all things wept. The gods wept, and men, the birds in the air, the beasts in wood and field, the fish in river and brook, the plants and the trees, the very stones shed tears for Balder. But in a cave sat a giantess, whose name was Thœck, and when the messengers came to her and bade her weep, she shook her head. “With dry eyes will I weep for Balder,” she answered, in scorn. “Little good had I from him, living or dead. Let Hel keep her own.”

And she would not weep. So, though all other things had wept, their tears were unavailing because of the hardness of heart of Thœck, and Balder could return no more to Asgard to gladden the hearts of the gods. But there were many who said that the giantess was none other than Loki, who was ever the cause of evil. It is not known for certain; but, if it were so, terrible was the vengeance that the gods wrought upon him, as we shall hear. As for Hœder, though he had, all unwittingly, brought such bitter woe to gods and men, he could not escape from punishment. He was slain by Odin′s son, Vali, when the latter was but one night old.

{sc|The}} gods held a council, and decided that the time had come when Loki must be punished for all his evil deeds. Loki, who ever feared their vengeance, discovered their intention, and fled away to the mountains. Here, on a high peak, he had built himself a house with four doors, one on each side, so that he could see in every direction, and, if danger threatened, could seek a refuge elsewhere. Near his