Page:Völsunga Saga (1888).djvu/132

 On the Norn’s nail,
 And the neb of the night-owl.

 All these so cut,
 Were shaven and sheared,
And mingled in with holy mead,
And sent upon wide ways enow;
 Some abide with the Elves,
 Some abide with the Æsir,
Or with the wise Vanir,
Some still hold the sons of mankind.

 These be the book-runes,
 And the runes of good help,
And all the ale-runes,
And the runes of much might;
 To whomso they may avail,
 Unbewildered unspoilt;
They are wholesome to have:
Thrive thou with these then.
When thou hast learnt their lore,
Till the Gods end thy life-days.

 Now shalt thou choose thee
 E’en as choice is bidden,
Sharp steel’s root and stem,
 Choose song or silence;
 See to each in thy heart,
All hurt has been heeded.”

Then answered Sigurd—

“Ne’er shall I flee,
 Though thou wottest me fey;