Elinborg laid siege to heart and hall —
every tongue in the world she could speak;
she held her faith before the pagan's threat
and waited for a better man to seek.

Ríma I

(Mansöngr)

Poets are set and stationed here
to seek out what has passed,
to shape their words into smooth verse,
and give others delight at last.

(Narrative)

An emperor ruled — I can tell it —
Karl, over all of France's land;
the bold man sent the blue spear flying
and laid great kings beneath his hand.

Then he was grown into later age,
destroyer of bright spear-shafts long;
the queen had borne the war-god's son
and one daughter amid that throng.

Elinborg, that excellent woman, was named —
the only child of the wise lord;
the finest people in the world
could never match her high reward.

Her flesh is fair on the ring-tree,
clear and bright to look upon,
as when blood is blended into snow,
or white silver begins to burn.

Every tongue the lady spoke,
as is told here in the poem;
she held the holy faith besides
and every kind of star-lore's domain.

She bore more brightness and more power
than any woman one might find;
she had every graceful art besides
that life could ever bring to mind.

This radiant woman came to be prized
as a ring-tree in her life;
the emperor chose for the king's daughter
a fifth lady to serve as wife.

She dwelled in one high hall alone,
the jewel-oak with her flowers;
there was neither noise nor calling there —
only all things done with honor.

The hall is held up by pillars dressed
in carved stonework, finely made;
there the branch of Sif sat at rest
and many knights in gentle shade.

It is decked with red-burnt gold
and gleams with white silver's sheen;
the men of worth can barely find
a shadow's trace to look between.

So did the ground of rivers bear
beauty beyond all women fair,
as that gold which gleams on a hand
stands beside darker metal there.

Karl holds France — the emperor strong,
he split many a shield with spear;
Hávarðr, the wise earl, I name,
greater than other dukes who were near.

Earl Mágus is the lord's father,
knowing every kind of lore;
he had long served the gentle king —
destroyer of grim nature's moor.

He shall foster the king's maiden
and teach her every kind of skill,
for they knew that the god of spears
would make that young one famous still.

Now the story turns away
from the emperor for a little time;
I am eager now within the Founder's vessel
to rhyme of other men.

This must be said: Earl Geirarðr ruled
nobly over all his land;
he kept his fine and beautiful hall
safe from the harm of Óðinn's hand.

The peaceful prince had gained Smáland
now with all his power;
that lord was gentle with men,
destroyer of Óðinn's tent-cloth and bower.

The earl adorned with every blessing
was generous to all his people;
he bore himself far beyond kings,
equal to emperors in his steeple.

The lord began to honor Christ
and kept such brave young men;
the earl was praised for his skill —
none like him was found, not then.

So he is swift to strike down bad men
with his bright and slender blade,
as a lion with mild temper
plays with stags in the forest's shade.

Geirarðr is gentle with men,
gives them weapons and fine cloth;
but if the lord turned hard and fierce,
his fury was great enough.

He dressed himself with bright spears,
ready for the sharp battle's need;
then the earl was terrible to see
and surpassing most men in deed.

Many a man stands mighty with weapons
inside the prince's hall;
so the lord was generous with gold —
he gave like kings in all.

He let all his young men
live as men who seek honor's way;
they shall drink the beer and strong wine
in the nobleman's hall each day.

Níziká shall be named, the one
who serves the fine lord well;
another is Franki, a man of renown —
little stood between them to tell.

This one thing will be told while the earl
spoke to his young men there:
"You shall bring forward to the sound
the sea-beasts with your ropes and care.

I will travel to France
to find the worthy king;
men, take now the sharp blade,
helmet and strong ring."

Every one of the warriors took
cloth of gold, which gladdened many;
the king's thanes would not use
scarlet for their finery.

Niflung came then north at the Rhine,
helpful and his brave men bright;
there was every kind of music's voice
and all the harp-melodies of night.

This noble Earl Geirarðr
went into the hall with warriors;
he greeted the great King Karl,
the emperor sat at his drinking hours.

The emperor received him with honor,
that wise earl and his train:
"Go to your seat, man of fame,
drink the fine wine — be not in pain."

"Emperor, before the courteous wine
I present my errand here with grace,
I will set forth my purpose now,
so all the throng may hear my case.

I have heard that you possess
one rich daughter here;
I ask her hand to be my wife —
you will find none like her, I fear."

The emperor answered the bold man then
courteously in that place:
"It is hard to turn you away
if the maiden herself says grace.

I have heard, mighty prince,
of your fame and your bravery,
that none is your equal in skill —
I will make known what I foresee.

There is one worse, what I now
wish — powerful earl — to your displeasure:
if you receive from the young lady
one slight shame beyond all measure.

I will say what I gladly see:
let this matter be called clear;
she herself shall for her own hand
choose a wise lord of her sphere."

The lord Geirarðr soon raised himself
adorned with honor in his seat;
the master has shaped all this firmly
and marked out the kinsman's street.

Players came into the prince's hall
making music fair with their strings;
there were all the great stories told,
performed by the emperor's young kings.

The emperor drank glad with his cups —
Karl and Geirarðr, the mighty two.
Here the tale shall have its place,
as men will trust it to be true.

Ríma II

(Mansöngr)

I poured out wine like Víðrir's field,
it is good now that another be added;
this must be made known in the cups,
as king and earl sat at the drinking.

(Narrative)

The earl spoke with great art —
he had lost none of his honor:
"Allow me, lord, to look upon
the meadow of leeks that draws me hither."

Then Emperor Karl walked courteously
together with Earl Geirarðr
up to the lady's beautiful hall —
the men formed ranks along all the streets.

Warriors guarded the city gate,
the earl's troop stood in armor;
no fewer than three hundreds strong —
he wished to go and speak with the lady.

The rich emperor and the courteous earl
came into the lady's hall;
sixty maidens sat there in number,
but the swan-woman surpassed them all.

She greeted sweetly her father first,
then she welcomed the earl besides
with all proper dignity and form,
and brought them both to seats inside.

Geirarðr sat upon a golden throne
gleaming with Fáfnir's lair-gold light;
each looked toward the other then —
the lord earl and the clever lady bright.

The nearest one thought the veil-seat
grew pale with its bright color;
the proud lady blushed at moments,
staring at the earl, staying quiet.

The lord's troop was most gentle there,
the earl made his suit known:
"Lord, give me the ring-Nán,
I wish to have her honorably as my own."

"She herself shall choose for herself,
silk-Rist, to take you as her lord;
if she will not refuse now,
you two shall court the lady on accord."

Rich Elinborg answered promptly
— she had words to give in return;
she says all that follows after,
though some will find it worse to learn.

"I cannot see that an emperor's daughter
would agree to take such a man,
who does not hold a higher hall
and has no greater rank than an earl can."

The praised one answered the man of art:
"Make your judgment clear and bright —
sweet rich one — to say no,
refuse him quickly if you will not take his right."

"Do you intend in all this matter
that my plain word should fail to stand here?"
The branch of rings answered then wrathfully:
"I advise you to leave from here.

Gone is the hope that you will have me —
I would sooner spurn than own you,
sooner than take another lame man;
go from here, Earl Geirarðr, I shew you."

The lord sat on just as before —
the earl answered without haste:
"One day you shall repent
your words, clever lady, in some haste.

You will find it strange, I think,
if these words should come from me:
you will wish to have us with honor,
then you will have no other choice, you see."

Quickly departed, as I have heard,
the lord Geirarðr from that place;
the earl gladdened his men,
the young woman spoke with the emperor's face:

"He who asked was a man of deeds —
none is more famous now than he;
I barely see how you can rightly
turn away such a bold man, and be free.

Though the sons of princes offered you
burnt gold from all over the world,
your life shall never find a braver man —
the lady shall see what follows forward.

How will it go if you lose my strength?
There is no man in your kingdom here
to defend your mighty hall,
as worthy as Earl Geirarðr, my dear."

The emperor spoke much to the maiden
mostly of the earl's worth and adornment;
the young woman would not take him by this —
some day the kingdom shall give payment.

The earl neither accepted lodging nor wine —
he went down to his ships to sail;
the king's thanes spoke now:
"Let us seek the lady with war's hail."

"I will never with war attack
that proud one — I sought home;
the lord's honor runs high enough —
it is not fitting to teach him such a poem.

May my God be wrathful to the man
who lowers the emperor's dignity at all;
let rich Elinborg look to herself —
she shall be free and her own before all.

After this exchange of grim words,
Geirarðr holds away from the Rhine,
they have not gotten the lady,
they travel home to Smáland, the nine.

The nobleman's son prepared men and ships —
the earl was moderately wrathful;
that prince was hard and steadfast,
he wished to raid in the eastern lands.

Earl Geirarðr went raiding,
the heathen throng paid for that;
five thousand fell at once,
all Christian men had peace from that.

The emperor took then a harsh sickness,
all the king's great company
mourned this as noble women would —
the lord ended his worldly life finally.

Noble Elinborg and Earl Hávarðr
ruled the prince's hall in Karl's stead;
she came herself in the emperor's place,
and the bold Geirarðr heard what was said.

The lord's thanes spoke then:
"We shall sail north into France;
Earl Mágus would have sought this mighty lady
if he lived now to take that chance."

"Speak not such great shame,
that would lessen all our renown,
to make war on a powerful woman —
I would rather lose my life than that crown.

I will go to France no more —
before I had the chance to do it,
to bring down fine folk in the straw,
when the lord emperor still lived through it.

Let us hear how the lady fares,
the prince spoke most gently then,
rich Elinborg is so great
that she has had no word from us men."

Hávarðr earl and the ring-ground
held the kingdom for a long time;
a merchant — one dear to the lady —
had come now to those shores' clime.

The lady met that sprightly man,
the woman spoke much with him there:
"You have sailed and sought widely —
tell me what I ask at once, I care.

I call you well-traveled and wise,
rich merchant, tell me true:
who among the northern kings
bears the most famous spear-point through?"

"King Viljálmr holds an heir,
he rules the men of England's shore;
none is such in the world's hall —
no man of honor like Earl Geirarðr more."

"Many praise that gentle prince,"
the maiden spoke to him then,
"what has the earl most to his fame —
the people praise most this Geirarðr when?"

"He is rich and a good knight,
vigorous, strong, fair and wise;
all kinds of skill have been lent to him —
I have seen no one like him under skies.

He went east to Venice city,
men fled through the woods and squares,
none could find that man of deeds,
no one dared to fight him in affairs."

The branch of rings walked from her hall:
"Let us speak of this no more."
The merchant sailed away contented,
having heard the word of the earl before.

Here the poem shall be brought to its end —
the earl ruled his kingdom wisely.
There shall Víðrir's ship-plank's bond
shatter against the sand of verse.

Ríma III

(Mansöngr)

Óðinn's longship leapt into the deep
laden from the stream of fame;
the story turns south over the sea,
the sweet one lightens the brightness of game.

That vessel which was in the deep
has come here to land now;
the warriors shall hear there
what happened to the lady in the meantime.

One lord in the world to the west,
I have heard he rules from Serkland;
he is the greatest prince among warriors —
the master will make this clear to understand.

(Narrative)

King Príamús adorned his men
and plagued in the land of Serkland;
they were all gathered at once there —
the prince destroyed them with his sword-hand.

The king honored Mákon most
and many other demons beside;
the worst of deception and the most lies
went about the world in those days wide.

His court worshipped heathen gods
throughout all the lord's land;
this cursed worship went out
from the nobleman's hall at his command.

Westward through all the world's lands
the king held power over nations;
he was served more through fear than goodness —
everything came to him by his great station.

The lord Príamús honored then
the foolish gods at all times;
they shall sport with the prince,
free they are — not bound by crimes.

The king has then one peculiar way,
one may call it remarkable;
it shall seem to the thanes quite harsh
to endure all his shameful pull.

Whenever he knew that fine ladies
were in wealthy halls there,
that prince was not loyal —
he lay with all of them without care.

The wise man brought home duke's daughters
whenever the war was finished;
he never stayed more than eight nights
with any one of them distinguished.

There was no mighty maiden
in the fair prince's kingdom
who would not come near the king
and he would show her his pleasures dim.

The lord then had two brothers,
both of them named the same way;
the king's brothers both waged war so —
each wished to help the other that day.

His brave brother Baldvini dwelt there —
he inhabited great halls;
a thousand men followed that one —
they are all fierce when battle calls.

Príamús's sharp-witted brother
was called Baldvini the Stout;
he was both wise and cautious,
and always brought victory about.

The lord issued a challenge to the Saracens,
adorned with sword and shield;
before the seventh sunrise
the king wished to raid the field.

The Saracens came together in hall —
seven thousand men in all;
the lord's court intended
to explore the north of the world's hall.

The lord's people wished mostly
to wound and destroy everything;
the fierce one went to Galicia west
with that prince and a hundred ships.

The warriors seized in the sharp rain
both ladies and maidens there;
the prince led his fleet
out past the islands of Greece fair.

The lord came to Lombardy,
the noble one adorned with silk;
the lord Príamús wished to rest there
in his harbor of power and ilk.

The lord's brother spoke now,
gracious and generous with gold:
"I can tell of one woman —
none like her anywhere I am told.

Elinborg rules alone in France
all the imperial domain;
such women need a man of power —
the lady's honor is very plain.

This fair woman conquers
the wise people far and wide;
the maiden has been given such art —
she lives always with pride."

The prince heard about the woman,
the ships float on the wide sea;
the lord soon wished to sail away
and seek her by force, said he.

He went north into France,
the woman shall pay the cost;
they turned toward one fair strand —
Príamús wished to pitch his host.

The lord spoke to his brother:
"Baldvini, go with honor;
ride home with your own boldness
to visit our beloved one.

If she will not leave her land,
that displeases me greatly;
take the lady with a hard hand —
she shall be my concubine already."

Brave Baldvini prepared his horse,
the book names him Lúpus here;
a hundred horsemen followed him,
he made his way to the hall, the steer.

The fine woman saw a noble knight
riding up to her hall;
Baldvini, adorned with rings, came out to meet him
kindly with all his people.

The maiden greeted the hero
in the tongue of Serkland then;
she set herself at once into
a heavy conflict's burden.

"The lord Príamús is that one
who is now come into this land;
he wishes to win your love —
no one can harm him at his command.

If you come under the king's power
dear and artful with your counsel,
he will lay no tribute on the land —
the people shall live in safety then.

It can become a heavy sorrow
to break the prince's will;
he has blockaded your city,
the people shall suffer death until."

Elinborg answered still with art,
exceeding most women in worth:
"Has he heard that I honor Christ
and have refused all the worship of earth?

First shall every townsman
be burnt on a pyre in torment
before I give myself to this lord's hands
and abandon Christ my ointment."

Brave Baldvini answered so —
the sorrow grows still greater:
"Dear one, you shall of two choices
choose, and no other matter.

Arrange a feast for yourself here,
bid the wise one to partake;
one bed shall be appointed
for the maiden and this great king's sake.

Otherwise he burns down everything
and destroys most of the cities,
drives you from the Christian way —
you shall come into the greatest of pieties.

It is the greatest pain for a maiden
to lose honor and all delight;
the king will ruin your prospects —
I know the mind of Príamús right.

He will bind you to a stair-post
with the maiden's pure arms fast;
then he gives you yourself over
to one of his thralls at last."

"You are a master in many ways,"
the maiden said she understood;
"not one maiden could stand up
against the king's will if she would.

The woman should have fourteen days
of delay, she said to the men;
I give the lord a firm yes —
may his honor stand long then."

"I dare barely come nearer
to grant the woman such a wish;
the proud maiden would even then
mock King Príamús the rich.

Lay forward your bright hand,
most artful of women here;
pledge it as a bond of trust
for the lord to win his honor, dear.

Then the lady shall have her delay
of fourteen days in that measure."
The thorn-ground in her troubles now —
she had to agree to this pleasure.

Baldvini turned away with his people —
the time is prepared for sorrow;
he told the king that the woman was bought,
he shall come to the city tomorrow.

King Príamús was gladdened by this —
the bold men do not raid;
rich Elinborg in another place
had her land to defend and stay.

The great lady sent letters
quickly to all the Franks;
she will repay their boldness
now with all her proper thanks.

Warriors prepared themselves from their halls —
most feared the lord and his reign;
many were also those who went nowhere
and wished to stay home again.

The maiden called a meeting in the Rhine
at one place in the street;
then she set out the matter for the people —
the folk heard something meet.

"The lord wishes to take us as heathens —
what is the good counsel now?
No knight is rightly there
who dares to help the kingdom through."

"We have lost our Emperor Karl,
who put warriors beneath him;
it has come now just as the courteous earl
the bold Geirarðr told us for him.

This is my fitting sentence —
women are greatly in peril;
I was earlier perfectly well given
and neglected my father's good denial.

I would sooner lay my body
on the burning pyre's bright flame
than do that sin on my soul
and give myself to a heathen man's claim.

Good lord Hávarðr earl,
you have served us for long years;
you shall prepare to leave this hall
at once with all your men and spears.

Go now as quickly as you can
to find Earl Geirarðr;
bring him my bright letter —
it will accomplish little, I regard.

Whatever the prince lays on you
to release the people to grace,
tell him straightforwardly yes to all —
only Geirarðr shall rule in my place."

Hávarðr sailed from his hall,
the wise one, home to Geirarðr's domain;
rich Elinborg sat behind —
the maiden had put away her gladness plain.

The noble earl was at drink
and gladdened his men beside;
Hávarðr came to the hall there,
he greeted the lord Geirarðr with pride.

"You are bid hello by the finest lady
with words of fame and truth;
may you bear highest honor now
above all young men in your youth.

The maiden herself with graceful purpose
calls a fine feast together;
she bids you to ride to Reinsborg
as a worthy earl, noble in all weather."

Earl Geirarðr answered then,
generous and glad with his warriors:
"She need not make us feel small —
we have enough here to drink, no quarrels."

The noble earl with his tongue's skill
spoke a second time then;
the court was both quiet and hushed
in the hall of Geirarðr the men.

Here shall this poem fall to its end,
the south wind's bolster is worn away;
the eighth day need not
lose Óðinn's ferry — so let it stay.

Ríma IV

(Mansöngr)

The maker of poems shall work again
a while while the people wait;
recall what the kinsman of Mágus —
Earl Geirarðr — spoke to that late.

(Narrative)

The kinsman of Mágus spoke quietly:
"Take my errand lightly as it is;
the fair woman wishes to invite you,
famous earl, into her realm of bliss."

"Hávarðr, tell that silk-Lin:
I see through all your cunning entirely —
the beer and wine shall not fail,
and warriors' troops shall stay home near me."

The prince did as the woman asked —
he took her letter in that place.
The earl paid very little heed to it
and did not wish to look at its face.

Then he took the second letter quickly,
the one the great ring-gate had sent;
the prince paid little for this matter —
they had played this game before, that went.

Hávarðr earl was faithful in trust —
he wished to help the proud lady;
that scheme was complicated,
and now he takes the third letter, maybe.

He gave the earl the lady's letter —
it made Geirarðr furiously red;
things were not better in his chest —
the letter stirred him to the war ahead.

He plucked it open and broke the seal —
that silk garment gladdened the earl;
the wedding-gold of the lady's father
was bound tight in there, that jewel.

The lord looked at the letter
and the earl smiled then and said:
"From what corner of the world is this one
who wishes to have the sweet one by force instead?"

The bold man answered Geirarðr's question —
the lady's thane spoke joyfully:
"The lord Príamús has that power —
none dares to fight against him, you see.

To the young woman the prince offered
the burnt gold and the world's wealth;
the dear one herself is now in danger —
she would rather choose to die in stealth."

Hávarðr spoke boldly in the conflict:
"Lord, prepare yourself for the spear-rain —
it is now your fame to free a woman
and save your noble life from shame's chain.

The earl answered and sat above the table:
"No one defeats the ring-ground's voice —
the proud lady's great words
will throw him into the sword-play's choice.

"If you defend the fair woman,
she will give you her kingdom there,
the sea's fire and the gentle people —
the maiden of joy has been kept with care."

The lord spoke to the proud hand:
"The bond of joy does not hold me;
I will not do this for gold or land —
I will not submit to the king's blade, I decree."

"If you wish to clear Víðrir's tent,
wise one, you shall receive a skilled reward —
a great name and the favor of men,
and the maiden will come into your ward."

This is an exchange of fine words:
"Elinborg shall rule her own hall;
let her not care about a foolish earl —
what am I better than any other man at all?"

The son of Mágus took honor in inheritance —
this work is only moderately good;
the time for the lord's turning will not come —
he fares better who needs but little would.

"First shall every brave young man
fall down and the string groan;
fate rules everything that passes —
I will not offer the lady longer on loan."

The knight's face began to redden —
the anger came biting into his heart;
Hávarðr walked out of the hall;
the lord Geirarðr sat behind apart.

They leapt to the ships in sorrow,
they hauled up the strong sail;
the warriors came to Reinsborg —
the bride was not slow to learn the tale.

The woman asked her warriors quickly,
she learned as swiftly as the wise:
"Lord Hávarðr, tell me —
how gladly did the earl take your ties?"

He told the fair woman of it:
"We shall gather forces as we may;
the earl paid no heed
to freeing you, ring-Nán, that day.

He who flees shall be cowardly indeed —
the knights' troop is still putting on gear;
let all the warriors prepare at once —
I shall fight against Príamús's men right here."

"The first time," said the veil-Rán,
"he received such great shame here;
therefore there is no hope at all
that he will draw the blue blade near.

He thought to get us with honor —
I responded like this against it,
turning a powerful man away;
he would be forgiven if he remembered it.

So the golden covenant will be broken —
he pays little heed to this journey;
the blades shall be laid to you,
such is what I deserve from the earl, I see.

Strengthen again the strong gate,"
the proud one spoke to her men;
the grace of the people shall be gone from here,
if Príamús's troops come here then."

The bride spoke quickly and bold:
"Prepare swords and shaft the spears."
Men carried stones to the city gate —
the waiting time was quick enough, it appears.

Here came again before the prince's troop —
the lord Príamús knew of this;
the anger came hot into his heart,
the greatest enmity bit the king with its hiss.

The lord spoke to his fine brave host:
"Here shall the cold war grow;
the lady's resistance is marvelously uncertain —
all of France we shall burn and overthrow.

The lady shall become our concubine,"
the famous Príamús swore it so,
"then shall the great spirit be lowered,
if the linen-oak must trust on the god."

Príamús advanced angry and fierce
up to the land with those troops;
the warriors pitched camp near Reinsborg —
the branch of rings received sorrows.

Hávarðr prepared his fine brave host —
the ring-ornament wept from grief;
you could hear the sound of that weeping —
the horns went through the night without relief.

Príamús spoke to his proud troop:
"Prepare yourselves quickly for the fight;
let us attack the city soon —
the bride's troop has not much might."

King Príamús dressed quickly —
the bold man's troop was not small;
the thanes meant to test their strength
when the grim night came to fall.

The ground of treasure was filled with sorrows —
her people prepared for war.
Here shall the clever poem be sealed
down in the poem's purse for more.

Ríma V

(Mansöngr)

One fine thing shall be set forward
from the beautiful world's blossom;
for me the mansöngr is something of a burden —
I cannot sing its praises.

He who receives from those people
hatred and nothing else,
he need not think about the world —
this has been denied him.

Let him not compose much about women,
I will offer this at the cups;
no one knows the part of love
and does not know about women.

He who receives from women goodness
and falls into painful sorrows —
he shall not let pass the part of love's virtue
from its course.

They shall serve the pure veil-maiden
with fine love's poems;
I will live with a single gesture
and play myself at the stories.

(Narrative)

The fourth poem fell there
alongside the slopes of the sea's fires;
the branch of rings sat at Reinsborg quietly —
the warriors prepared themselves for battle.

There was no thought there of peace —
the clever woman was distressed;
seven thousand of Serkland's host
sat around the city to take it.

It is a bit hard now to lie still,
poems on such a battle;
let us tell instead what happened earlier
concerning the great Earl Geirarðr.

That which was first set in the story —
confusion on the waves rolling —
when the wise Hávarðr earl
met this Geirarðr.

He had reckoned before the locked gate
that renown needed to be tested;
the earl took all of that very coldly —
he is not lacking in craft.

The answer seemed to the man of deeds
not quite what he wished to choose;
therefore Hávarðr went home to France
adorned with boldness and shield.

The earl took hold in a second hour
so lovingly to remembering
how softly the letter had asked
that the warriors should find each other.

When he had spoken most against it —
against the prince's dignity and the woman —
he loved this young beauty
as much as his own life.

Earl Geirarðr answered now,
generous for deeds of skill:
"Shall we not free the lady
and find that Príamús strong and still?

We trust the bride to lack her host
directly in all respects;
the lady will have need of worth —
we shall not be too long or late."

Galifreyr was one noble earl named,
Geirarðr's friend and kinsman true;
he had been earlier in a Flemish hall —
his father had married King Viljálmr's crew.

The greater part of the fleet drove
Fjölnir's storm to win the fight;
others went west into Valland
to find King Viljálmr right.

The lord went with three warriors —
he wished to help the bride;
one was named Níziká,
the next was Franki the proud inside.

The lord let three horses
be prepared for each of them;
on each one shall be placed a saddle
twisted with silver and gold, amen.

The lord earl and two warriors
let their horses run and race;
they rode north to Reinsborg —
they arrived just in time and place.

The warriors meant to break the peace
and draw the blades bright;
that morning the lady's troop
would meet Príamús's men to fight.

Every gate was locked with locks —
the fine fence had been played with;
that was done by the young Elinborg —
none could ride in through it.

The men could see a tower there
locked with two doors;
the courteous woman was nearby —
they came now to her quarters.

The lady of the house greeted quickly
the fine people wisely:
"Be here," said the woman in the night,
"the path is open for all, the bright-wise."

The thanes lay that night there
with true honor, sleeping;
the maiden told the ring-gate
all of the newcomers' keeping.

"Three came there with power —
the prince's bold men brave;
I could not recognize any of the bold ones —
they all have visors on to save."

She answered sweetly, full of sorrow:
"You speak well, my dear —
I would gladly give you gold enough
if young Geirarðr were here."

The proud men woke early
and stood immediately in their clothes;
many horns sounded together,
everything plays on a thread, it shows.

They saw many a heathen hound
serving the lord Príamús;
the whole ground was covered with thanes —
it could be called a host enormous.

Against the lord, Hávarðr earl
raised up the cold battle;
in one way the young and old alike
must hold out from Reinsborg.

This hard company met each other —
nothing stopped the bold ones;
it served nothing now to speak of peace —
the sharp fighting arose.

Blades split many at once —
some were hurt by spears.
The sweet one watched her men —
she sat in a tower, appearing.

The newcomers, those whom she had asked,
shouted to each other between them:
"It is glory to get oneself wealth
and follow the Saracen king's realm.

They leapt onto their horses,
armed with hard weapons;
the other one kept the ring-Lin —
she lacked no adornments.

The swan-woman saw three men
ride on black horses;
fair Elinborg the queen could not see
any one of their faces.

The horse was brown and the saddle was black —
so was all the harness;
nothing bright was on any of them —
some rode fast with eagerness.

When the beautiful ring-woman
saw his weapons and his clothing,
her eyes were fixed always
there where the earl was riding.

Forward from the wood the group drove
— these warriors charging;
thirty men they toppled at once
straight down to the ground.

Geirarðr's sword is well proven —
it cuts stone and steel the same;
it never chips or grows dull,
Baldvini shall find this to his pain.

The prince cleared a short while
the path to the king's banners;
then the prince had felled to the ground
fifty men of the Saracens.

He struck with his blade at those
of the stout king's brave host;
they never saw in the world
his equal in worth and most.

"Máhomet grant that man no refuge —
our good master will;
he who carries that blade in conflict
and splits hearts in his will."

The lord Príamús looked on —
the court began to fall;
the prince grew desperate then
and called his brother to the hall.

"Give him a swift meeting of points,
brother, and let it not wane;
kill that bold hound,
who destroys my thanes."

Baldvini sat on a brown horse,
gripping his lance tight;
he drove himself forward through the sword-gap —
he knew the lord Geirarðr by sight.

Ósvifr took his sword with handle
strengthened with fine gems;
he was Baldvini's standard-bearer
and he met Geirarðr's young men.

The Frank laid on his lance —
the fine shield was damaged;
now came at him Níziká,
who swung the naked blade.

The heathen man fell headlong —
the shield protected nothing;
Brave Baldvini, glad in fierceness,
met Earl Geirarðr coming.

The lord gripped the lance quickly —
nothing helped to restrain it;
twice the man named Þerögant before
and Tyrkja-Þór the old called him.

The heathen man in the prince's shield
stabbed hard with a spear;
so was Óðinn's hall-gate's door
hard as if standing in rock here.

Geirarðr drove his sword bright
through the tight shield then;
the mail-coat will protect but little —
Baldvini shall discover when.

The point drove through body and beyond —
all harnesses gave way;
foot and arm's length the head-piece stood
out through the prince's shoulder that day.

Death was quickly measured to him —
the wise warriors saw it plain;
there lay deprived of breath
the second of Príamús's brothers slain.

They fought until the mailed host
lay dead all across the field;
the darkness offered men peace —
it was time for rest for all to yield.

Hávarðr went to the hall,
the noble one with his warriors;
the prince went down to his tents —
a greater torment shall now be ours.

The prince spoke this time then,
the trial was prepared for paying:
"Where is my brother Baldvini —
he is not returning to the tents today?"

One answered him with a tone of sorrow:
"I will tell you clearly now —
he was, prince, felled this day
by one man of the Franks somehow."

As soon as the sword-conflict was released
and the warriors sheathed their spears,
the earl went off into the forest —
nothing more could be seen of him there.

The one found who loved the people
the bright pine of rings there;
he brought her two falcons
and a great number of fine things to wear.

They drank beside the ring-gate —
guests, but no more than a few;
the earl slept there a second night,
not beside the ring-woman of Eir.

The famous lord fell asleep,
freed from all pains;
the ring-ground went to her rest
and thought of her guests' gains.

The excellent one looked at the ring-strand —
at the fair face of Geirarðr proud;
and also at the bright prince's hand
closed in its fine wrapping.

The proud beautiful woman returned again —
this fine woman;
she came back into the city and found her dear,
she spoke at once to the bride:

"Three men with quality of virtue
drink in my house here;
they have, bride, fought this day
better than any of your folk, I hear.

This is rather too short to tell clearly —
I placed them so to lie;
I looked at all their faces
and each of the three the same way.

Two are noble-looking to the eye —
I take them to be brave men;
I saw the lord quiet beside them —
none like him exists, not then.

I looked up at the bright face
of that noble dear lord there;
this frail wit of mine cannot bear
to describe his beauty rare.

As if there stood one fine light —
of the lily-tree the green —
mixed together with the sweet rose
of the beautiful sunstone, the scene.

Though I might lie long in the choir
and look at that lord this way,
the bright face, the swift eyes —
I would recognize nothing the same today.

The form was both soft and pure
on the fine prince's chest;
as that elephant's finest bone,
refined with white flour's best.

A ring played on his finger,
set with a silk thread;
just as your father used to have —
those two were alike," she said.

The maiden answered moderately glad —
she thought of what she had done:
"Make neither mockery nor laughter of me —
go now to your rest, my one."

The ring-gate went to her rest,
stricken with the bond of sorrow.
The night passed for the men in the dark.
This shall do though the poem stands still tomorrow.

Ríma VI

(Mansöngr)

To the rosy women of old in the world
you have brought fame to amuse them;
this is what the men of mansöngr say —
they speak of women and tease them still.

The dear one receives for the fifth poem
greeting and gladness night as day;
loving, knowing love's game —
there is nothing more for warriors to say.

The life of women is like the world here —
it has all flowed away from me;
the world is not the only one
to have another hate itself so bitterly.

He who hates women with distress —
how does this game go out?
He shall walk that way bleating like a sheep,
neither able to live nor die in doubt.

(Narrative)

Yet one shall wish at once
for people and women as before;
the strong tide rolls around the ring-ground —
let them speak a little while more.

The dark night passed for the lords,
the day came fair and very warm;
the people fought on the land again
against Príamús's men in the battle's storm.

The men this morning quickly
struck and wielded their swords high;
white armor in the meeting of blades —
the host gathered and lined up by.

The troop had to defend the hall —
the gentle Earl Hávarðr wished
to give his troops skilled support,
the gentle people prepared themselves.

The lord wished to go before the neck-slope
adorned with ornaments to the fight;
he dressed himself both hard and smart,
the warriors chose the bright steel.

The clever earl bore his mail-coat,
he went out in his long plate;
proud with a collar at the neck,
his hand widely adorned and great.

The helm tumbled on the prince's head,
engraved and melted with fine gems;
the sword drew the nobleman's best —
bound to his belt, he mounted his horse.

The heavy letter of the prince was wound;
those spurs were altogether white,
so well the saddle fitted on —
then everyone rode as best they might.

Reinsborg all rumbled and thundered —
the most noble of ring-trees appeared;
before she could get word from the warriors,
she was already in that beautiful tower.

The clever woman watched then,
looking long at the men;
she recognized the one who wielded the cups —
the clever woman was gladdened then.

The fine warriors rode quickly
forward into the arrow's fierce path;
the ready thanes at once
pressed and drove to the fighting's wrath.

Warriors were struck by spears there —
the company had to bow down;
the warriors broke and shot at shields,
the battle stirred the storm of shafts around.

Hard was the meeting of helmets there —
rings burst apart in splinters;
the noise was new, it went through the lands,
spears and shields smashed against each other.

The bloody swords bit and ripped
both cloth, weapons and harness;
the storm of strife struck hard then —
the blue iron buckled and scattered.

The lord went with his young men —
the troops were wounded and pained;
the crowd was pressed by the warrior's deeds —
the clothing burdened some to splitting.

Geirarðr spared the bold men little —
the man walked very hard through;
the shields themselves trembled before him —
the host was cut down and driven through.

The blade bit the strong Saracens —
Príamús saw blood on his people;
the king wished to avenge it then —
the king looked upon his dear brother.

Baldvini the Stout rode on horse,
quickly and high with a golden spear;
he had cut down a hundred men with it —
brave and steadfast, of France's land clear.

The earl called out boldly:
he recognized this warrior quickly:
"Baldvini, you never fail —
I think it better that you came here quickly!

Baldvini, you never held back —
good brother, kill him now —
the man there in the flood of swords
who torments my people somehow."

A strong and noted proud man
drove that named one out before him —
vigorous and tall, one called Knabri —
he split and dissolved the host.

Níziká drove hard away
from the prince's middle battle then —
quick and sudden Franki drove —
the heathen warrior fell down.

Angry and ready, the lord's thane
rode then against the earl;
the quick men met each other —
that meeting would be hard indeed.

Many wounds were difficult to tell —
then the shifted Baldvini spoke:
"Good Óðinn, grant me
a worthy victory in battle from you."

The fine men rode at each other —
the earth's clay shook in place;
they hardened their bright swords —
the warrior went from his horse not at pace.

The clever earl rode firmly —
the son of the ring's karfi burst Sif;
he knew, the loving one known, by skill —
power, but the shaft broke in the rift.

With the steel of the shining eye
he seized the sword fast and firm;
the earl did not swing loosely —
neither strength nor trust failed to confirm.

He rode against the heathen prince then —
the ring's destruction the earl possessed;
Baldvini never failed the slightest —
the hard blow was set against him.

The metal's strand was badly marred —
the blade bent down around the shield;
the holder cut the blue blade apart —
the man remembered he was about to yield.

Both clothes and the king's hand
split and cut with the sharp blade;
the side was cut and the foot from him —
I call Baldvini fallen that day.

Mostly from his horse the lord fell —
he lost both skill and all his gold;
he who had won the finery lost it —
he parted there with it against his will.

Fáfnir's shirt was split apart —
the strong lord waded in blood,
as if a great dragon struck there
at a terrible crowd of men.

The warriors failed that day —
the sword-battle was set at rest;
the gentle one sheathed the fire of Báleys —
night came quickly and dusk passed.

The old ones drew to the lord's tents —
the great Príamús, captured in grief,
asked his warriors where
his good brother the king was.

His foremost man answered:
"Things could not be worse for the home —
your brother fought hard,
he was bold this day with his own courage.

A hidden one tried in the harmful battle —
a horseman fought against your two brothers;
he split one apart with a sword —
their meeting was sore and grievous."

Then Hávarðr went home to the city,
seized and burdened with all sorrow;
the sweet woman met the warrior —
then asked how the battle went on the morrow.

The kinsman of Mágus remembered
with power and skill as the woman asks:
"A knight rides in the battle alone —
I have seen none like that, none past.

They pressed and drove the blows of thunder —
three men the first day;
the one who was on the black horse then —
that boy who fought best of all the way.

The lords came quickly today as yesterday —
the men came very near;
white armor and the sharp spear —
the lord carried these, and his men two."

The great one asked her warriors there —
the proud bride where that one was
— the warrior who drew many from sorrow:
"Why does he not drink in our city's cause?"

The red woman's troop answered then —
then she asked that none knew where
that fine lord passed the time —
where the gentle one rested those nights there.

The maiden was contentedly glad —
the crowd went off to sleep;
then came the end of the sword-conflict —
the rich earl withdrew to the forest's keep.

The worthy bold ones came home —
the woman granted them her grace.
The power of the poems was entirely used up —
let all the fine ceremony fall from place.

Ríma VII

(Mansöngr)

The poem is exhausted to honor women
and to praise men;
therefore I am quiet and weary of fame —
I barely can.

The skill of praises one can hear
and most fittingly;
the ring-woman Bil can set a glad game
on the hall-floor so nicely.

Joy is such a rich thing with men
to amuse people;
the diction of mansöngr is remarkable
and soft in its music.

Earlier women who knew how
won bold men with fame;
hearts burned in the stream of swords
from sorrows sharp.

Príamús had to endure a trial
before the gun of silk;
he lost his glory before the Gaut of rings
because he loved the maiden.

Mirman found that his mother had won
harm to cause;
the clever woman set free
that dear gentle man.

Love corrupted the wise one bewildered
from the bonds of tricks;
the evil woman who destroyed him
was from the lady's hands.

The fine ground Auðr, that Ívent won,
and trusted completely;
the harm came to the lord's warrior —
he lost his bride.

The lord born in honor, raised in honor,
bore sorrow enough;
he went exhausted and driven by sorrows
to the forests and woods.

The ban of sorrows which Flóres found,
faithful in his fame —
it played upon him, for his chest burned
for Blankinnflúr.

She was said to be dead, removed from her wealth —
that wise maiden;
the sorrow was an invitation to heart's need
for him to endure.

The ring-oak in love's play
for love's work
grew weak, and the sweet one deceived
the strong Samson.

His hair was cut, the sorrow harsh —
it pursued him
for that danger and death's risk
that Delilah won.

It was well known at the cups there
that the fifth woman
brought sorrow's share, that Sörli bore
in his own life.

The grief sudden in thought's portion
and the harsh sorrows
seized fast, but the bright woman
burst apart in the end.

Fierce and wise the mother fought
earlier in the hall —
noble and raging, a good knight,
Roland earl.

The fair Hringpoll was to him so dear
for the heart's feast;
the fastened maiden — it fell so near to her —
she burst apart.

Many at once burn in sorrows
for the ring-stake;
more men have fallen yet
into such a fate.

If it could be told if the pure woman
wished so;
we are prevented and very slow indeed
to pay attention then.

If I received and were taught joy
beside the rich woman,
it befits those who are equipped with mansöngr's ornament,
who could manage that.

What shall that man do who cannot
attend to delight,
living with longing and stepping back
from the gestures of the women.

He has it worse who bears sorrows
and composes about stories;
one or another goes constantly
with love's poems.

(Narrative)

I set a poem with an honor-melody
beside the silk-Nuns;
the third day was a stroke of trial
with the prince's men.

The people, compelled, wished to go away quickly
from the lady's hall;
the king's troop with boldness and strength
had come to the field.

The troop proven worthy of honor,
which the lord trusted;
Príamús's force was tested with equipment
to prove their courage.

It does not serve worse than death comes
for foolish warriors;
that host came which bore the helmets
with the Valland lord.

The Valland prince, the forward wise one,
who was called Viljálmr,
was full of fame and wonderfully skilled
at putting down troops.

Geirarðr's father drove at bold men
and proved his ferocity;
the other, who gladdened the bold men,
was Galifreyr.

The fine earl loved the bride —
he shall not be afraid.
The prince trusted the attire of Fjölnir —
he went to dress.

The Finnsleif that the prince possessed
would harm little;
it may be heard how he then drew tight
spear and shield.

He and his two men bore
power beyond most;
they rode with shield and spear
on red horses.

The sweet one alone bore sorrow and harm
in her hall;
the city on the Rhine with its wonder
shook all over.

The artful woman watched the lord's conflict —
the bright shield over the king's life
was like the pure gold.

The wound flew — the earl rode —
he drove the horses through;
the fine sword cut the crowd
from the prince's hand.

Fjölnir's prince gave them shame
who fell on the Saracens;
he drove forward into the noise of points —
the nobleman's standard.

He rode fast in the battle's throw
and robbed the warriors;
the hard steel around the lord broke
and cut down the crowd.

Geirarðr rode — the path was broad
to the fine thanes —
he drove on so long a course
through the host.

One of the lord's friends was called Blankandin,
who fought there;
the shine of the hand went into the whirring of metals
and bore the standard.

The thane pressed into the rain of swords,
the shafts sang;
Geirarðr's young men came against
the fierce power.

Those two for the thorn-Eir
came there;
they met each other with the sharp spear
and they raised the battle.

One Frank that Geirarðr had
was wonderfully broad;
Níziká was nearby then
and now he was wrathful.

The lord waited, but the blow rode
as hard as it could go;
the foot was cut from the shaft of the spear
and he fell then.

A long while at the tree's meeting
was the host strong;
fell to the ground at the shaft-grove
the beautiful standard.

The gentle lord drove his blade
in heathen blood;
Príamús's host offered the blade
and fought with fury.

Príamús saw where the host lay
and lost its life;
he prepared himself then to seize the neck
and shook the blade.

That combat shall console the woman
in her heart's hall.
It is time now, on my honor,
for the fame to fall.

Ríma VIII

(Mansöngr)

Ovid found one book
all bound up with art;
those poems are all the most clever
sung from the praise of women.

They are all the most full of joy
from beautiful love's strands;
words that give fruit, and merry lore
from ladies and noble young men.

They mourn over Sörli on the field,
and some over the bonds of Tristram,
how their clever hearts
could burst apart from sorrow.

Though he lives his entire life
up from childhood's time,
he always goes frozen and cold,
finding no warmth of love's flame.

Reflect on that, men of honor,
who love courteous women;
many can still receive love
who know no mansöngr.

The love of women and their joyful game
profits the hearts of men;
I know no delight elsewhere —
I shall set this aside then.

(Narrative)

That was said earlier in the poem —
the warriors drove back the Saracens;
the men trusted in force and strength —
the banner of Príamús was felled.

It would be a pleasure to tell it longer,
if the warriors would be quiet,
how Earl Geirarðr went
through the peoples of Serkland.

The lord earl cheerfully struck
the heathen warriors into the straw;
no one troubled themselves to write down
all their names above.

The Saracen king won himself honor —
he saw where the bold men advanced;
a shield-wall was then thrown around him —
the thanes stood under it in stance.

The anger leapt into the prince now
to test the fine sword;
he intended for himself before the young woman
one time to ride forward.

The king had one courteous horse
from Kaldíaland far east;
one might marvel at its excellence —
its strength and its steadfast beast.

He was fitted into those rings
which the heathen masters had made;
weapons barely bit into them —
they were of the hardest steel's grade.

The snake's fire of the king was fair as flame,
made with a strong head;
the adamant stone was set hard
down into the middle of his shield.

The prince's shield was wonderfully great,
adorned on the serpent's lair;
the great Thor was marked on it
and Mercury upon a chair.

Príamús had one painter inscribe
adorned with gilded borders,
the entire shield all outward
with evil tales from all the orders.

A sword was fixed beside his side,
bound with silver and gold;
it had been the third greatest
ever found in this world.

He tightened up the sharp spear then,
he spared not the horse from driving;
he leapt at once against the host,
the field flooded in blood arriving.

Whoever came at him to meet him —
brave men of the lady's troop —
he had to give up life and goods,
run through with a spear from the group.

The Saracen king drew his sword —
splinters flew from it wide;
whoever would not wait for death there
had to turn away and hide.

The blade was sharp but the lord wrathful —
it deprived men of life;
it was four feet broad in the blade,
two fathoms long in its knife.

In the rain of points the new came on —
now one may call it wonder:
at one time he weighed as many as six —
the sword killed them all asunder.

Three times he went through the host
to fell the brave warriors;
the lady's army would flee
if this went on long more.

The earl saw the lord's battle —
no better knight was found;
he remembered what the gentle maiden
had written earlier in her letter's sound.

The man of fame on the falcon's strand
fixed the red shield;
he would defend the woman and the lands
and give Príamús death in the field.

His horse was like none other —
all set with gems bright;
such a shield shone on his hand —
written with one device of light.

The rich lords rode at each other —
the host gave way on the field;
the promise shall break before the bright maiden
and crack soon in the shell.

The lord Príamús spoke thus:
"Hear this, noble earl —
this is quite enough a struggle for you
to intend to defend the bride."

The other called out loud and quick:
"Hear this, gentle Príamús —
the worthy host shall take heed of all that
not to attack us in the fight.

I have hardly seen a finer
wise man wage battle —
much skill has been given to you —
you can barely die."

"Both the lord's glory and the burnt gold
I shall enrich you with both;
go get the bright bride home
and bring her here by force."

The earl answered, all well-composed:
"Wealth I can earn enough —
I do not need, wild prince,
to use yours for that stuff."

The lord answered a second time,
very generous with gold:
"I never saw your equal
in any man alive I am told.

Be faithful to me in deeds —
we shall both win the lands;
then there will be fine women enough —
we shall get delight and peace with our hands.

Three nights the gold-Nanna shall give us grace —
before she would choose death;
I shall hold the veil-Hnoss in my arms —
she shall sooner choose to cease her breath.

Then you shall receive honor from me,
wise lord, to take;
then shall the young Elinborg the queen
lie in your arms for your sake."

"Both of us shall worship the gods
and burn all the churches;
this is my best offer —
let us prepare now for the halls."

The earl answered very wrathfully —
he trusted love, as I perceive:
"You shall never, wretched and hateful one,
have power over her to achieve.

If I had received a yes from the lady —
fame can decide that matter —
I would never give the maiden to you,
prince, for any favor.

Such shame could quickly
harm you with torments
before that bright body
lay in your embrace."

The mighty heir of the lord
drew his sword against the prince;
it was all hardened throughout with poison
from point to hilt and since.

The hard helmet came then
at the bold earl's sword-blade;
he shall make it with that blow
a Saracen without a ruler.

The entire helmet, skull and teeth —
the fine sword divided it all;
body and shields both at once —
quickly he could ride nowhere at all.

He severed all the ties between them —
the lord's horse and clothing;
then the sword ran into the field —
the hilts both sank into nothing.

The emperor's daughter saw the king
crawl away from the lands;
she cast away all the ring-Gná's
grief from her hands.

The earl let the golden spear go
among the riders harsh;
not two were left standing
of all Príamús's bold ones.

The fifth fine woman dressed herself at once
in all her woman's glory;
she went to meet Earl Geirarðr
with the city's people, joyful and holy.

That meeting was magnificent —
the crowd honored the swan-woman;
the archbishop accompanied the lady
and a great company of learned men.

The lady's troop was magnificent —
the strong wall trembled.
Then came forward into the city's gate
the great standard of Geirarðr.

Here in the company the lord rode —
he heard a noise of strings;
his own father followed him gently
and a great throng of noble men.

The dear one came graciously
to the lord, mighty with honor;
this flower-oak was Fróðr's
more beautiful than the shining gold.

The maiden gave then her magnificent self —
with fine rings —
all the kingdom and herself,
— there was no shortage about her.

The courteous earl went to church —
the bold men heard the mass;
the ring-ground and the mighty lord —
each shall adorn the other.

The organ sounded and everything was merry
inside the hall-place;
others struck the harps high —
all the bells were rung.

The silk Rist the noble was joined
with the fine earl in marriage;
the name of emperor and the royal hall
the bold man received to manage.

The proud man stepped into the great hall
together with the bright woman;
the feast went forward with honor and all —
none could choose a finer one.

She had not yet gotten the word earlier
before their meeting;
now it is all repaid with sweetness —
the best of the fine woman.

The great feast stood for a month —
it is great to hear about;
that treasure-share can be brought beyond measure
which the prince bore to the thanes throughout.

The pride of the strong one was tested —
he whom Príamús had him felled;
the king's deeds became known
throughout all the circle of the world.

The pure woman loved the king,
and the emperor the proud wife;
no harm ever came between them
while they both held life.

I have set out Geirarðr's tale
completely through all these hours;
the embers shall quickly cool
that I kindled beneath the poem's powers.

I intend to part ways with the poem —
let that now be ready;
let Þems and Nið take them now,
the trolls and the broad frozen land.

The poem shall seem but slightly changed
to the bright ring-woman;
now I am weary to the end of this —
I shall be silent with all of it.

Translated from Middle Icelandic by the New Tianmu Anglican Church, 2026. Source: Rímnasafn, Vol. II, ed. Finnur Jónsson (Copenhagen: Samfund til udgivelse af gammel nordisk litteratur, 1914–1922), pp. 474–528. Based on Geirarðs þáttr, the concluding episode of Mágussaga in its longer recension. The cycle survives in two primary manuscripts: Cod. Wolf. (the AM-copy, vol. 2) and AM 145, 8°, with lacunae in the latter. Both witnesses have been collated in the edition. The fictional setting is Carolingian France; "Serkland" is the conventional Old Norse term for the Islamic world. The Saracen king's brothers both bear the name Baldvini — the poet may intend a distinction (frækni/brave vs. digr/stout) to differentiate them. The kennings throughout follow standard rímur conventions: women are called veil-trees, ring-grounds, swan-women, silk-Rists; Óðinn's names (Víðrir, Fjölnir, Hárs, Báleys) appear throughout the mansöngr verse. No prior English translation is known to exist.

🌲

Source Text — Geirarðsrímur (Middle Icelandic)

Geirarðsrímur.
Disse rímur findes i cod. Wolf. (den AM'ske af-
skrift 2. bind); titlen her er ulæselig.
Jeg har i sin tid
sammenlignet afskriften med originalen, men da retskriv-
ningen gennemgående er ændret i afskriften, har den i
udgaven måttet normaliseres.
Desuden findes rimerne i
AM 145, 8° med overskriften Geírardz rijmur.
Men
her er der lakuner, som er nöje anførte under teksten.
De ikke særlig betegnede varianter er alle fra B.
Teks-
ten i rimerne er gennemgående ens i bægge hdss.; dog
kan Wolf = A ofte rettes efter 145 = B, men i det hele
er den ret uforvansket.
Et enkelt blad findes i AM 149,
8º med slutningen af 1. og begyndelsen af 2. rime; dette
unge hds. er uden betydning.
Endelig findes rimerne i
en afskrift i Sth. 1, 8º pap. (her slutter de med r. 5),
samt i Det isl. litt. selskabs samling 106, 4º, der ikke har
kunnet benyttes.
Det første er åbenbart forvansket og
bidrager kun lidet til tekstens konstitution.
Især er den
benyttet i lakunerne i B.
Rimerne er byggede over den såkaldte Geirarðs
þáttr, der danner slutningen afMágussaga i dennes læn-
gere bearbejdelse.
Men det
er klart, at digteren, der
citerer
en bog« , har haft en ældre og bedre bearbej-
delse.
Der findes ret betydelige afvigelser, f. eks. den,
at kong Karl endnu er i live, da Geirarð bejler til Elin-
borg; i sagaen er han død osv.

474
RÍMNASAFN
I.

1. því eru skáldin skipuð og sett
   að skulu þau eptir leita,
   efla þar til orðin slétt,
   oðrum skemtan veita.
2. Keisari réð, sem kann eg tjá,
   Kall
   i Frakka veldi ;
   garprinn sendi geirinn blá
   og gofga kónga feldi .
3. Þá var hniginn á efra aldr
   eyðir bjartra fleina,
   drottning átti darra Baldr
   og dóttur þar með eina.
4. Elinborg heitir ágætt fljóð,
   einkadóttir vísa ;
   mætti næsta mætri þjóð
   mærð af slíku risa.
5. Hold er fagrt á hringa þoll
   hreint og skært að líta,
   sem þá blandiz blóð í mjoll,
   eða brenni silfrið hvíta.
6. Tungur allar talaði frú,
   tjáð er slíkt í kvæði,
   þar með hafði hún helga trú
   og hvers kyns stjornufræði .
7. Heiðrinn berr og makt í mát
   mest af hverju sprundi,
   þar með oll þau listarlát,
   sem lífið æskja mundi.
   21 eg: að tf.
   53 blandiz :
   61 frú
   hvers : B;
   13 orðin sl.: orða spect .
   4 og 9. B.
   31 var : hann tf.
   43 næsta : af tf.
   blandast ,
   eða-silfrið : B; brúðar holdið A.
   B; fljóð A.
   3 þar ... hafði : hér ... hefur .
   alls A.
   7, listar: lista .

4
4

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR
I
475
8. Heiðrinn tók að haldaz mætr
hringa skorð í lífi,
keisarinn fekk til kónga dætr
kvintu að þjóna vífi .
9. Byggir eina háfa hall
hodda eik með blóma,
hvórki var þar hark né kall
heldur alt með sóma.
10. Styðja hana með steina list
stólpar halla fríðir.
Þar sat Sifjar reikar Rist
og riddarar margir blíðir.
11. Glæst er hún með gullið rautt
og glóar við silfrið hvíta,
skýrir mega þar skatnar trautt
skugga hvergi lita.
12. Só bar fasta fjarðar grund
fegrð af ollum snótum,
sem það gull, er glóar á mund
greitt hjá málmi ljótum.
13. Frakkland heldur keisarinn Kall,
klauf hann skjold með geiri ;
Hávarð nefni eg hoskan jall,
hertugum þótti meiri.
14. Mágus jall er fylkis feðr,
fræði kunni alla,
sá var lengi milding meðr
meiðir grettis valla.
9. hodda: holda.
3 kall : kaull.
103 lyder i B : Sifiar drakk þar osv.
A.
urn.

112 við: með.
4 með : B; til A. -
3 þar : B; þat A.
4 blíðir : B; friðir
4 hvergi : nokk-
hjá: í.
12₁ grand skr. A.
3 gull: gullið.

134 er hert . skr. B.
14, jall er :
kunni : omv. A ; er f. k. В.
4
nafn var.
fr.
2

476
RIMMASAFN
15. Hann skal fóstra fylkis mey
og fræði alla kenna.
því að þeir vissu fleina Frey
frægstan mundu þenna .
16. Keisara víkur fræðið frá
fyrst um lítinn tíma,
flýtig enn i Fundins lá
um fleiri menn at ríma .
17. Geta skal hins að Geirarð jall
gofugur stýrði landi,
varði hann sitt ið væna hjall
Viðris tjalda grandi .
18. Smáland hafði fylkir friðr
fengið nú með valdi,
gramr er sjá við gumna blíðr,
glataði Óðins tjaldi.
19. Jallinn prýðir hverskyns happ,
halla mildr við lýði,
berr hann langt af kóngum kapp.
og keisara jafn að prýði.
20. Hilmir tók að heiðra Krist
og helt só frækna drengi,
því var jallinn leyfðr að list
líki fannz hans engi .
21. Só er hann slyngr að slæma þjóð
með slíðrar vendi bjortum,
sem það león við lítinn móð
leikur sér að hjortum .
153 að ul. A.
vissu : ei tf.
4 lyder i B sål.: fremra
mundu en þ.
frægastan skr. A.
161 Keisarinn skr.
Bog så fræði .
3 flýtig:
fleyti eg.
í: um.
Fundins:
funnigs.
um: ul.
4
171 Geir.: Ger- A.
sá.
4 og gl . skr. B.
212 slíðrar : slíðra.
183 sjá :
við: með.
3

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR
I
477
22. Geirarð er við gumna blíðr,
gefr þeim vápn og klæði,
enn ef gjorðiz stillir stríðr,
stórlig varð hans æði .
23. Byggi hann sig með bjarta vigr,
búinn í stríðið snarpa,
þá var jallinn ógurligr
og afbragð flestra garpa .
24. Maktarfullr er málma borr
margr í hilmis skála,
só var gramr af gulli orr,
hann gaf sem kóngar mála .
25. Alla lét hann sveina sín
sæmdargjarna rekka,
þeir skulu bjór og burðugt vin
i buðlungs hollu drekka.
26. Níziká skal nefna þann,
er nýtum þjónar stilli,
annar Franke, fremdar mann,
fátt bar þeira í milli.
27. Inna vil eg þat eina stund
jallinn sagði drengjum :
„færa skulu þér fram á sund
flæðar dýr með strengjum .
28. Fara vil eg í Frakkaland
að finna kónginn merka,
holdar taki nú hvassan brand,
hjálm og brynju sterka" .
29 Guðvef hverr af gorpum bar,
gleðr það marga ýta,
skjoldungs vildu skatnar þar
skarlat ekki nýta.
2

224 -lig: -ligt .
23₁ bjarta : bjartan .
241 Mak-
tar : Megtar.
hilmis : hilldar .
253 burðugt : byrlað.

• 263 Franke fremdar : Frankinn frægðar. - 27, að j .
  skr. B.
  29, marga: frækna.
  4 ekki : engin .

283 nú : sinn.

478
RÍMNASAFN
30. Niflung kemr þá norðr í Rein
nýtr og drengir snjallir,
þar var hverskyns hljóða grein
og horpuslættir allir.
31. þessi inn gofgi Geirarð jall
gekk í holl með rekka,
heilsar upp á kónginn Kall,
keisari sitr að drekka.
32. Keisari tók með heiðri hann
hoskan jall og rekka :
„far til sætis frægðarmann,
fágat vín að drekka“.
33. „Keisarinn, áðr en kurteist vin
kenni eg hér með prýði,
eg vil birta erindi mín,
só allur múgrinn hlýði .
34. Eg hefi spurt að eigi þér
eina dóttur ríka,
hennar bið eg til handa mér,
hvergi fær nú slíka."
35. Keisarinn svaraði kappa þá
kurteisliga í máta:
„vant er yðr að vísa frá,
ef vill því mærin játa.
36. Eg hefi fregnað fylkir ríkr,
frægð og hreysti þína,
að yðr sé engi að listum líkr,
lýsig ætlan mína.
37. Hitt er verr, en vildig nú
voldugr jall til stygðar,
ef þér fáið af ungri frú
eina smán til blygðar.
314 Keisari : med art. -
32 mgl. B.
sæmdar- skr. A.
33, kurteist : kennir.
2k . eg : kurteist.
erindi : med art.
353 vísa : víkja.
3 birta : inna.

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR I-II
479
38. Gullaz játta eg glæsistrond,
grein má kalla ljósa,
sjálf skal hún fyri sína hond
svinnan herra kjósa."
39. Herra Geirarð hefr sig brátt
heiðri prýddr í sæti,
meistarinn hefr það myndað þrátt
og markað frænings stræti .
40. Leikarar kómu í lofðungs holl
og láta fagrt með strengjum,
þar eru frammi fræðin oll
framin af keisarans drengjum .
41. Keisarinn drakk með koppum glaðr,
Kall og Geirarð ríki.
Hér mun verða á hróðri staðr,
holdum trúig að liki .
II.

1. Viðris feldeg vínið mætt,
   vel er að nú sé annað bætt;
   kynna verður koppum þat,
   kóngr og jall að drykkju sat.
2. Jallinn talar með ærna list,
   engrar hafði hann æru mist :
   „Lofa mér, herra, líta þá
   lauka grund, er mig stár á."

4 herra : med
38₁ glæsi : glæsis.
3 sjálf..hún : omv.
art.
393 meist.: uden art. myndað : B; munderat A.
4 og: ul. A.
40, fræðin : frægðin A.
414 að : so. -
1, feldeg: fell og.
vel er : vil eg.
3 verður : vilda eg.
4 að d.: í hollu .
2₁ ærna : B; æru og A.
hafði :
mér : mig h. að líta skr. B.
hefur.
æru : prýði .
2
3
2

480
RÍMNASAFN
3. Síðan gengur keisarinn Kall
kurteisligr sem Geirarð jall
frúinnar upp í fagra holl,
fyrðar skipuðu strætin oll.
4. Bragnar geyma borgar hlið,
brynjað stendur jallsins lið,
hvergi minnr en hundruð þrjú,
hann vill ganga og tala við frú .
5. Keisarinn rikr og kurteis jall
kómu inn í frúinnar hall ;
sextigir meyja sátu þar,
svanninn langt af ollum bar.
6. Sætan heilsar sínum feðr,
síðan kvaddi hún jallinn meðr
virðuliga sem vón er að,
veik hún þeim til sess í stað.
7. Geirarð sez á gyldan stól,
glæstr er hann með Fófnis ból ;
hvort á annat horfir nú
herra jall og listug frú .
8. Næsta þótti falda fit
folna með sinn skæran lit,
stoltar frú var stundum rjóð,
starir á jall og var þó hljóð.
9. Yta lið var einkar-blítt,
jallinn hefr upp bónorð sítt :
„herra, gipt mér hringa Ná,
hana vil eg með sæmdum fá."
33 fagra : B; hafa A.
44 lyder i B: en hann skal
ganga að t. osv.
53 tigir: B; tigi A;
meyjar skr. B.
72 Fófnis : ofnis . - 81 falda :
skæra .
frú var:
frúin er.
Ná : Gná .
64 veik hún : vísar.
B;
folldar A.
skæran :
þó : þá.
9, blítt : frítt.
4
2
3
3

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR II
481
10. „Kjósa skal hún við sjálfa sig,
silki-Rist að eiga þig ;
vili hún eigi neita nú,
niflung skulu þér kaupa frú."
11. Elinborg ríka ansvor skjót
átti hér að gefa í mót;
talar hún alt það eptir ferr,
einhverjum mun þikkja verr .
12. „Kann eg eigi þann kost að sjá
keisaradóttir muni því já,
að eigi þann sem heldur hjall
og hefr eigi meiri tign en jall. "
13. Leyfður svaraði listarmann :
„ljósan gjor þú úrskurð þann,
sætan rík, að segja nei,
synja skjótt, ef viltú ei."
14. „Ætlar þú með ollu hér
einorð rétt að bresti mér,
reiður svaraði ristill þá,
ræð eg yðr að vísa frá.
15. Farin er vón, að fáir þú mig,
forsmá vil eg að eiga þig
heldr en annan hækjukall,
þú haf þig burtu, Geirarð jall.“
16. Herrann sat þó jafnt sem áðr,
jallinn svaraði þeygi bráðr :
„einhvern tíma iðraz þú
orða þinna, listug frú .
17. Undarligt mun þikkja þér,
ef þessi orðin koma af mér,
oss viltú með æru fá,
engi mun þér kostur þá."
123 sem: er.

• 133
  11₁ skjót : skiott A ; fljót B.
  rík að : ríka. - 144 að: ul. A.- 154 þú
  þig: haf þig í.
  16, sat þó h . skr. B; þá har A.
  jafnt : samt.
  174 engi : eigi .
  iall skr. B.
  2 SV .
  31

482
RÍMNASAFN
18. Hvatliga gekk, sem hefr eg spurt,
herra Geirarð þaðan á burt ;
jallinn sína ýta gleðr,
jungfrú talaði keisari meðr :
19. „Yðvar bað sá afreksmann,
ود
engi er nú frægri en hann ;
valla sé eg að vel megi tjá
að vísa slíkum garpi frá.
20. þótt þér bjóði brendan seim
buðlungssynir um allan heim
fær þín aldri frægri drengr,
frú mun sjá, hvað eptir gengr.
21. Hversu ferr, ef missir mín,
maðr er engi í ríki þín,
að verja þitt eð volduga hjall,
virðuligr sem Geirarð jall.“
22. Keisarinn talar við meyna mart,
mest um jallsins prýði og skart ;
jungfrú vill hann eigi því heldr;
einhvern tíma ríkið geldr.
23. Jallinn þiggr ei vist né vín,
víkur ofan til skeiða sín ;
siklings toluðu sveinar nú :
„sækjum vér með stríði frú. “
24. „Stríði eg aldri stilli þeim
stoltuligum, eg sótta heim ;
herrans gengur heiðrinn ríkt,
honum er ekki að kenna slíkt.
184 keis.: keisarann.
4 garpi : kappa.

19. frægri : fremri .
    20, synir : sonur.
    21 mgl. B.
    til : mgl. A.
    muni .
    þig A.
    frú mun :
    fá munt.
    4
    því: að.

kenna : um tf.
23, víkur: hann tf.
3
3megi :
þín : B;
223
244

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR II
483
25. Minn guð veri þeim manni reiðr,
eð minkar nokkuð keisarans heiðr;
Elinborg ríka sjái að sér,
sjálfráð skal hún og hver fyri mér.
26. Eptir þessa grimdar grein
Geirarð heldur burt af Rein ,
hafa þeir ekki fengið frú,
fara só heim í Smálond nú.
27. Mildingsson bjó menn og skeiðr,
mátuliga var jallinn reiðr,
hilmir þessi harðr og traustr
herja vill í londin austr.
28. Geirarð jall í hernað heldr,
heiðinn múgrinn þessa geldr ;
fimm þúsundir fellu í senn,
frið hafa allir kristnir menn.
29. Keisarinn fekk só kranka sótt,
kóngsins oll in valda drótt
harmar þetta sem herlig vif,
hilmir endi veraldar líf.
30. Ítrum stýrði oðlings hjall
Elinborg ríka og Hávarð jall;
kom hún þá sjálf í keisarans stað,
kappinn Geirarð fregnar það.
31. Sveinar toluðu sæmdar manns :
„sigla skulu vér norðr í Franz,
mundi sækja mektar frú
Mágus jall, ef lifði nú ."
2
3
25₁ veri : B ; verði A.
eð: ef.
nokkuð : nokkur .
keisarans : frúinnar .
262 heldur: siglir.
ekki hefr
hann skr. B.
4 só: þeir.
-lond : land.
283 fellu :
endi:
feldi.
eyðir.

-293 þetta sem
30g þá ul. A.
það sem B; sem ul. A.
4
31*

484
RÍMNASAFN

32. „Mælið eigi só mikla skemd,
    að minki alla vóra fremd,
    að herja upp á voldugt vif,
    vildag fyrri missa líf.
33. Fer eg nú aldri Frakkland í,
    fyrri var mér kostr á því
    herligt fólk at hoggva í strá,
    herra keisarinn lifði þá.
34. Fregnum hversu frúnni líðr,
    fylkir talaði einkar blíðr,
    Elinborg ríka er só stór,
    ekki hefr hún spurn til vór.“
35. Hávarð jall og hringa grund
    heldu ríkið langa stund ;
    kaupmann einn, sá kær er frú,
    kominn er þar við londin nú.
36. Frúna hitti inn feski mann,
    fljóðið talaði mart við hann :
    „Þú hefr víða siglt og sótt,
    seg mér það, er eg fregna skjótt.
37. Kalla eg víða kunnigt þér,
    kaupmann ríki, seg þú mér,
    hverr berr frægstur flein við rond
    fylkis arfi norðr í lond?"
38. „Viljálm kóngur arfa á,
    Englands monnum stýrir sjá,
    engi er slíkr í heimsins hall
    heiðursmann sem Geirarð jall."
39. „Margir leyfa milding þann,
    meyjan talaði só við hann,
    hvað hefr jall til frægða flest,
    fólkið lofar hann Geirarð mest?"
    33, Fer..nú : For..svo.
    351 Hávarð : Herrauð.
    við: í 4 norðr í : suðr um. --
    frægðar .
    að f. skr. B.
    4
    3

• 34₁ hversu : fyrst hvé.
  sá..er: er .. var .
  38, sjá : sá .

373
393 frægða :

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR II-III
485
40. „Hann er rikr og riddari góðr,
roskur, sterkur, vænn og fróðr
honum er allra lista léð,
só líkann hans hef eg ongvan séð.
41. Fór hann austr um Fenedi-borg,
flýðu menn um skóg og torg,
engan fekk þann afreksmann,
eiga þyrði stríð við hann.“
42. Ristill burt af ranni gengr :
„ræðum ekki um þetta lengr. "
Kaupmann siglir kátr í burt,
kæran hefr til jallsins spurt.
43. Hér mun færðr á enda óðr,
jallinn stýrði ríki fróðr.
þar skal Viðris borða band
brotna Hárs við óðar sand .
III .

1. Herjans snekkjan hljóp í kaf
   hlaðin af mærðar straumi,
   sogunni vikur suðr um haf,
   sætan léttir glaumi .
2. Kuggrinn sá, í kafinu var,
   kominn er hér til landa;
   fyrðar skulu nú fregna þar,
   hvað frúinni bar til handa.
3. Herrann einn í heiminn vestr,
   hann frá eg Serkjum stýra,
   sjá er að kappi milding mestr,
   meistarinn vill só skýra.
   401 og: ul.
   honum..allra : omv.
   3
   4
   4
   41
   að

só : ul.
412 flýðu
um: fylgja..á.
433 borða : bráða.
Hárs : hár.
21 kafinu: kolgu .
3 þar : það A.
3₁ heiminn : heimi.
frá eg : réð.
3 sjá : sá.
og 42 ombyttede.
eiga skr. B.
14 en s. skr.
4bar: ber.
B.
2
4

486
RIMNASAFN
4. Príamús kóngur prýðimenn
plagar í Serkja landi ;
þeir eru uppi allir senn,
þá oðling vegr með brandi .
5. Kóngrinn heiðrar Mákón mest
og marga djofla aðra,
villubrogð og flærðin flest
ferr um heiminn þaðra.
6. Hirðin blótar heiðin goð
í herrans landi ollu,
þetta gengur bolvað boð
bragnings út af hollu .
7. Vestr um alla veraldar bygð
vald á kóngur ljóna,
heldur meir af hræslu en dygð
honum varð alt að þjóna.
8. Herra Priamús heiðrar þá
heimskr um allar stundir,
leika munu þeir lofðung á,
lausir eru þeir undir.
9. Kóngrinn hefr þá eina art
undarliga má kalla,
þikkja mun það þegnum hart
að þola hans sneypu alla .
10. Vissi hann, að vænar frúr,
væri í ríkum hollum,
litt var þessi lofðung trúr,
legz hann með þeim ollum .
4₁ prýðimenn : prýðir menn AB.
con A.
brogðin skr. B.
heims.
3
2 heimskr : helst.
4
lofðung seims.
að 1. skr. B.
væri : voru,
51 Mákón : na-
74 varð : verðr.
81 þá :
lyder
i B :

1. mun það
   94 hans : þá.
   102
   3

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR III
487
11. Hoskar flutti hann hertogadætr
heim þegar stríði linti,
aldri meir en âtta nætr
einni hverri hann sinti .
12. Sú var engi mektug mær
i mildings ríki fríðu,
að eigi kæmi kóngrinn nær
og kendi hennar blíðu.
13. Buðlung á þá bræður tvó,
báðir einn veg heita;
hlýrar kóngsins herja svó
hvor vill qðrum veita.
14. Baldvini frækni bróðir hans
:
byggir stórar hallir,
þessum fylgir þúsund manns ,
þeir eru grimmir allir.
15. Hlýri Príamús halla snarr
heitir Baldvini digri,
sjá var bæði vitr og varr,
veldur jafnan sigri.
16. Sjóli gjorði Serkjum boð
sverði prýddr og skildi,
fyri ið sjaunda sólar roð
sikling herja vildi .
17. Serkir kvómu saman
í holl
sjau þúsundir manna,
hilmis ætlar hirðin oll
heiminn norðr að kanna.
1
4
4
11, þegar str.: þá stríðið.
hann: ul.
121 Sú:
Svo.
3 eigi k.: omv.
hennar : þeira . - 13, þá: sér.
4 gðrum : undan.
veita : leita.
14,
-vini : -vin,
og
senere.
byggir : byggja A.
3 þessum : þegnum. - 153
sjá : sá.
4 og v. skr. B.
2
163 sevnda skr. À.

488
RÍMNASAFN
18. Lofðungs vildi lýðrinn flestr
lemja alt og meiða,
grimmur helt i Galicia vestr
gramr með hundrað skeiða.
19. Bragnar tóku í brodda seim
bæði frúr og meyjar ;
fylkir heldur flotanum þeim
fram fyri Griklands eyjar.
20. Lofðung kemr Lumbard í,
linna prýddur síki;
þar vill hvilaz hofnum í
herra Príamús ríki .
21. Buðlungs talaði bróðir nú,
bliðr og orr af seimi :
„eg kann segja af einni frú,
engi er slík í heimi.
22. Elinborg ræður ein í Franz
ollum keisaradómi ;
slíkar þurfa mektar manns,
mikill er frúinnar sómi.
23. Sigrar þetta vífið vænt
víða spektar lýði,
jungfrú hefr það listin lént
hún lifir sig æ með prýði.“
24. Fylkir hefr til fljóðsins spurt,
fljóta skeiðr á víði,
þegar vill sjóli sigla í burt
og sækja hana með stríði.
25. Ferr hann norðr í Frakkaland,
fljóðið mun þess gjalda;
venda að einum vænum sand,
vill þar Príamús tjalda .
18, Gal.: Galiam . -
19₁ seim: sveim.
4 fyri :
í
20, Lunbarde skr. B.
við bróður nú.
með
heiðr
og.
3

211 lyder i B : Buðlung talar
223 þurfa
þyrfti . - 234 sig æ með :
lént:
lied A.
251
Ferr:
Fór.
3 venda : vendir.

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR III
489
26. Buðlung talar við bróður sinn :
„Baldvini, far með æru,
ríð þú heim með roskleik þinn
ríka að hitta kæru .
27. Vili hun eigi leggja af land
líkar mér það illa,
taktú frú með harðri hand,
hún skal vera mín frilla ."
28. Baldvini frækni bjó sitt ess.
bókin Lúpus nefnir,
þessum fylgir hundrað hess ,
heim til hallar stefnir .
29. Riddara lítur reisug snót
ríða að sinni hollu,
Baldvina víkur brúðr
í mót
blíð með fólki ollu.
30. Jungfrú heilsar afreksmann
upp á Serkja tungu,
sætan þegar að sér hún hann
sett er stríði þungu.
31. „Herra Príamús heitir sjá
hér er nú kominn til landa,
yðra vill hann elsku fá,
ekki má honum granda.
32. Kemr þú upp á kóngsins vald
kær með list og ráðum,
leggr hann ekki á landið gjald,
lifir þá fólk í náðum.
264 lyder i B: ríkr og tala við k.
hand : lond
hond A.
Lúgus .
borgar.
blíðr.

hann A.
3

271-3 land ..
28, er b. skr. B.
Lúpus :
hundrað :
þúsund .
heim
hallar: þá
293 brúðr : brúði (altså Baldvin; fork.) og så
4
..
303 að : ul.
4 sett : svipt A.
314 honum:
32 mgl. B.

490
RÍMNASAFN
33. það kann verða þunglig sorg
þengils vilja brjóta,
yðra hefr hann bilagt borg,
bana mun fólkið hljóta.“
34. Elinborg svaraði enn með list,
af ber flestum snótum :
„hefr hann frétt eg heiðra Krist
og hafna ollum blótum ?
35. Fyrr skal hverr á báli brendr
borgarmaðr í pínum
enn eg ganga á herrans hendr
og hafna Kristi mínum."
36. Baldvini frækni svaraði svó,
sorgin vex að meiri :
„kæran skaltu um kosti tvó
kjósa, en ekki fleiri.
37. Væna bú þú veislu hér,
vísi bjóð að þiggja,
eina sæng skal jungfrú þér
ætla og þessum tiggja.
38. Ella drepr hann alt þitt lið,
eyðir borgir flestar,
kúgar þig frá kristnum sið,
kemr þú í raunir mestar.
39. Það er in mesta meyjar pín
að missa heiðr og yndi ;
kóngrinn spillir kostum þín,
kann eg Príamús lyndi .
331 verða : vera.
að br. skr. B.
2
3
B.
frétt : spurt .
4 og : en .
37, bjóð : þeim.
4þessum: ríkum.
B.
4 þú k. skr. B.
34, sú af skr.
353 ganga : komi.
á : 1.
38, og e. skr.
393 kostum: kosti.
4 eg: við tf.

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR III
491
40. Bindr hann sér við bjálka stig
brúðar armi hreinum,
síðan gefr hann sjálfa þig.
sínum þræli einum."
41. „Meistari ertu á margan hátt,
mærin kvez það skilja,
ekki hefr ein meyja mátt
í móti kóngsins vilja.
42. Fjórtán daga skal frestum ná
fljóðið talar við drengi,
stilli gefr eg staligt já,
standi vegr hans lengi."
43. „Vífi þori eg valla nær
veita beiðni slíka,
enda pretti prúðust mær
Príamús kóng inn ríka.
44. Legg fram þína ljósa hand
listar fullust kvinna,
trúlofa só með trygðar band
tiggja heiðr að vinna.
45. þá skal ráða frestum frú
fjórtan daga í máta."
þorna grund í þrautum nú
þessu varð að játa.
46. Baldvini sneri í burt með þjóð,
búið er nú til sorgar,
kóngi segir, að keypt sé fljóð,
koma skal hann til borgar.
40, við bj .: að bialkar.
I Sth. lyder l. 1-2 : Bindr
hann þig á bjálka stig | brúðr í öllum greinum (navnlig
denne linje er höjst mistænkelig).
413 ein: eg.
42, frestum ná : frest hér á .
3 staligt : staðligt. -
432 að
v. skr.B.
enda : enn þá. -
44, ljósa : ljósu.
hand .
band : hond .. bond.
46, sneri : snýr.
skal : vill .
3
4

492
RÍMNASAFN
47. Kónginn Príamús kætir það,
kappar eigi herja ;
Elinborg ríka í annan stað,
hún á sitt land að verja.
48. Bréf nam senda burðug frú
brátt til allra Frakka,
hún mun þeim með hævesku nú
hreysti sína þakka.
49. Hermenn bjugguz hollum ór,
hrædduz flestir tiggja,
hinn var margr að hvergi fór
og heima vildi liggja .
50. Meyjan gjorir í miðri Rein
mót á einu stræti ;
hefr upp þá fyri holdum grein,
heyrði lýðrinn mæti.
51. „Herra vill oss heiðinn fá,
hvað er nú gott til ráða?
rétt er engi riddari sá
ríkið þori að náða.
52. Vér hofum látið keisarann Kall,
eð kappa undir lagði ;
komið er nú sem kurteis jall
kappinn Geirarð sagði.
53. Mér er þetta maklig skript,
mikill er kvenna váði ;
eg var fyrri fullvel gipt,
foður míns níttig ráði .
54. Legg eg fyrri á loganda bál
líkama minn, kvað svanni,
enn eg gjori þann glæp á sál
að gefa mik heiðnum manni .
474 hún: ul.
á: mgl. A.
492 flestir: margir.
48₁ nam: mun.
503 upp þá : omv.
514 að r.
52, kappa : kónga. - 534 þá f.
skr. B.
þori : þorir.
skr. B.
neitteg skr. B.
543 enn eg: helldr en.

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR III
493
55. Herra góður, Hávarð jall,
þú hefr oss þjónað lengi,
þú skalt búaz í burt af hjall
brátt með þína drengi .
56. Far þú nú, sem greiðast getr,
Geirarð jall að finna;
ber honum mitt ið ljósa letr,
lítið mun það vinna.
57. Hvað sem lofðung leggur á
að leysa fólk til náða,
seg þú rétt við ollu já ;
einn skal Geirarð ráða .“
58. Hávarð siglir halla vitr
heim í Geirarðs veldi ;
Elinborg rika eptir sitr,
jungfrú gleðina feldi.
59. Dýri jall að drykkju var
og drengi sína gladdi,
Hávarð gekk til hallar þar,
herra Geirarð kvaddi.
60. „Yðr bað heilsa feskust frú
með frægðar orðum sonnum,
helzt beri þér í heimi nú
heiðr af ungum monnum.
61. Jungfrú sjálf með yndisgrein
eflir veislu fríða,
býðr hun yðr í borgina Rein
burðugr jall að ríða.“
62. Jallinn Geirarð anzar þá
orr og glaðr við rekka :
„ekki þarf hún oss að smá,
vér hofum nóg að drekka."

574
551 góður : góði .
2 þú : ul.
3 hjall : hall .
skal : hann tf. — 591 var : sat.
2 og : ul.
3 þar : hratt.
60, frægðar: frygðar A.
4 ungum: ollum.
61, hún
e. skr. B.
býðr : biðr.
3
624 því v. skr B.

494
RÍMNASAFN
63. Tiginn jall með tungu list
talar í oðru sinni,
hirð er bæði hljóð og tvist
í hollu Geirarðs inni.
64. þar skal falla þessi bragr,
þrotin er Suðra dýna ;
eigi skyldi inn átti dagr
Óska ferju týna.
IV.

1. Enn mun verða óðar smiðr
   eina stund meðan fólkit biðr,
   minnaz á, hvað Mágus niðr
   mælti jallinn Geirarð viðr.
2. Mágus arfi mælti blitt :
   „mínu taki þér erindi lítt;
   yðr vill bjóða fljóðið frítt,
   frægi jall,
   í ríkið sitt.“
3. „Hávarð, seg það silki-Lin,
   sé eg við ollum slægðum þín,
   brestur hvórki bjór né vín,
   bragna sveitum heima að mín.“
4. Fylkir gjorir sem fljóðið bað,
   frúinnar tók hann letr í stað.
   Jallinn gefr sér allfátt að
   og ekki vill hann líta á það.
5. Annað tók hann bréfið brátt,
   er burðug sendi hringa gátt;
   þengill gefr um þetta fátt,
   þenna hafa þeir leikinn átt.
   13 á hvað : það að.
   Mávus skr. B.
   24 ríki skr.
   B.
   3, eg: ut.
   4 lyder i B: br. sveitum heima að m.,
   i A : br. sveit skal heima m.

• 4, tók-letr: letur tekr.
  5₁ tók: tekr.
  3 um þetta :
  *3 allfátt : ekki.
  4 og: ul.
  til þessa .

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR III - IV
495
6. Hávarð jall er hoskr í trú,
hjálpa vill hann stoltar frú ;
brogðulig var breytni sú,
bréfið þriðja tekr hann nú.
7. Fekk hann jalli frúinnar letr,
furðu rjóðan Geirarð setr ;
honum varð ei í brjósti betr,
bréfið hann til stríðsins hvetr .
8. Plokkar upp og pressu skeðr,
pellan sú er jallinn gleðr,
vígslugullið frúinnar feðr,
fastliga var þar bundið meðr.
9. Buðlung lítur bréfið á,
brosandi mælti jallinn þá :
„hvaðan úr heimi er sjóli sá,
sætu vill með stríði fá?"
10. Garprinn svaraði Geirarðs fregn,
glaðliga mælti frúinnar þegn :
„herra Príamús hefr það megn,
honum þorir engi að vega í gegn .
11. Ungu vífi bragning bauð
ið brenda gull og veraldar auð ;
kæran sjálf er komin í nauð,
kjori hún fyrr að liggja dauð.“
12. Hávarð mælti hraustr í kíf:
„herra, búiz í fleina dríf,
það er nú frægð að frelsa vif
og fróma yðvart stoltar líf.
13. Svaraði jall og sat yfir borð :
„sigrar engi gullaz skorð,
stoltar frúinnar stóru orð
steypa honum í randa morð.
63 breytnin skr. B.
skr. B.
104 vega : stríða.
ul.
4 að l.: hinn sára .
er.

91 lítur :
horfir .
4 sem s .
11₁ Jungu skr. AB.
ið :
12, búiz : búz.
2
131 og:
2 engi : engan.
gullaz : gullhrings.
í: við A.
4

496
RÍMNASAFN
14. „Ef þú verndar vífið frítt,
vill hún gefa þér ríkið sitt,
flæðar eld og fólkið blítt;
frygðug mær er haldin litt."
15. Stillir talar við stolta hand :
„stár mig ekki á frygðar band;
gjoreg það eigi fyri gull né land
að gefa mig undir kóngsins brand."
16. „Vilir þú rjóða Viðris tjald,
vísir, fær þú listugt gjald,
mektugt nafn og manna hald,
meyjan kemr á yðvart vald."
17. Int er þetta orða spjall :
„Elinborg ráði sínum hjall ;
hirði hún ekki um heimskan jall,
hvað er eg betri en annar kall?"
18. Mágus son tók ment i arf,
miðlungs gott er þetta starf;
sízt mun vera til sjóla hvarf,
sá hefr betr, eð lítils þarf.
19. „Fyrr skal hverr inn frækni drengr
falla niðr og ymja strengr ;
auðnan ræður alt hvað gengr,
ekki býð eg frúna lengr."
20. Riddarans tók að roðna litr,
reiðin kemr í hjartað bitr,
Hávarð gekk úr hollu vitr ;
herra Geirarð eptir sitr.
21. Hlupu á skip með hrygðargrein ,
hala þeir upp inn sterka flein ;
bragnar kómu við borgina Rein,
brúðr er eigi að fréttum sein .

14, ríkið : landið.
B: því hvað er hann osv .
na skr. B.
hvað : hve.
var.

151 stoltar skr. B.
174 skr.
192 og ymja: emjar.
auð-
4 en ekki skr. B.
214 er:

3
1

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR IV
497

22. Fljóðið þegar að fyrða sér
    fregnar skjótt sem viskan lér :
    „herra seg það Hávarð mér,
    hvessu blitt tók jallinn þér?"
23. Vænu segir hann vífi þá :
    „vér skulum safna liði sem má;
    engan gjorði jallinn á
    yðr að frelsa, hringa Ná .
24. Sá skal verða ragr, eð renn,
    riddara sveitin klæðiz enn,
    búi sig allir bragnar senn,
    berjaz skal eg við Príamús menn."
25. „Fyrra sinn, kvað falda Rán ,
    fekk hann hér- svó mikla smán,
    því mun engi vera á ván,
    að vili hann rjóða mækinn blán .
26. Hugði hann oss með heiðri að fá,
    hér í móti gjorði eg svá
    voldugum manni vísa frá,
    vórkunn væri hann mintiz á.
27. því mun brotin in gylda gerð,
    gefr hann litt um þessa ferð,
    yðr mun slæma slungin sverð,
    slíks er eg frá jalli verð .
28. Strengið aptur sterklig hlið,
    stolta talar hún drengi við,
    holdum mun þá horfin grið,
    ef hingað sækir Príamús lið.“
    2
    24₁ verða :
    vera.
    enn:
    senn
    253 á: ul. A.
    4 eg: ul . A.
    2

svá : forsmá (! )
að vísa skr. B.
er A.
3
27, þessa : slíka.
og
så enn
i l. 3 .
26₁ heiðri að : æru A.
4 væri : væri þó B;
283 þá : hér.
32

498
RÍMNASAFN
29. Brúðrin talaði bragða skjót :
„búið til sverð en skeptið spjót.“
Báru menn til borgar grjót,
biðstundin var nógu fljót.
30. Hér kom enn fyri hilmis sveit,
herra Príamús þetta veit,
reiðin kemr í hjartað heit,
heiptin mest á kónginn beit.
31. Hilmir talar við herlið snjalt:
„hér mun eflaz stríðið kalt ;
frúinnar traust er furðu valt,
Frakkland skulu vér brenna alt.
32. Frúin skal verða frilla vór,
frægi Príamús þetta sór,
lægjaz mun þá lundin stór,
ef líneik verðr að trúa á þór."
33. Príamús heldur óðr og ær
upp á land með dróttir þær ;
rekkar tjalda Reinsborg nær,
ristill af því sorgir fær.
34. Hávarð bjó sitt herlið mætr,
hringa skorð af harmi grætr ;
heyra má það lægra lætr,
lúðrar ganga um alla nætr.
35. Príamús talar við prúða drótt :
„plagi þér yðr til rómu skjótt ;
bráðla fá vér borgina sótt,
brúðar lið hefr ongvan þrótt.“
4
3
3 menn:
B.
lyder
skr. B.
323 læ-
29. lyder i B : búi þér yðar enu hvossu s.
sumir .
4 fljót : skjót A.
30, að h . skr.
i B : móðrinn lék um hyggiu reit.
4 því h.
313 traust er : lið mun.
brenna : upp tf.
gjaz .. þá : omv.
341 sitt : sig og.
skorð : skár (!) A.
harmi : angri.
má .. lægra : mátti að lúðrinn .
lúðr-
ar g : því lýðir gengu .
35
fá : fáum .
brúðar
1.:
því bragna sveit.
3
2
4
4

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR IV-V
499
36. Kóngrinn Priamús klæðiz brátt,
kappa lið var ekki fátt ;
þegnar ætla að þreyta mátt
þegar að líðr in grimma nátt.
37. Seima grund af sútum hljóð
sína býr til rómu þjóð.
Hér mun verða listug ljóð
læsa niðr í bragða sjóð.
V.

1. Framm skal setja fræðið eitt
   af fogrum heimsins blóma ;
   mér er heldr um mansong leitt,
   má eg hann ekki róma.
2. Hinn er næsta hlýtr af þeim
   hatr en ekki annað,
   sá þarf ekki að hugsa um heim,
   honum er þetta bannað.
3. Kveði sá ekki um kvinnur mart,
   koppum vil eg það bjóða,
   engan kennir afmors part
   og ekki veit til fljóða.
4. Hinn sem fær af fljóðum dygð
   og fellr i harma stranga,
   sá skal ekki af afmors dygð
   undan láta ganga .
5. þeir skulu frygða falda rein
   með feskum afmors kvæðит,
   eg mun lifa með látin ein
   og leika mér að fræðum .
   364 grimma : dokkva.
   aldri.
   2₁ Hinn : Hitt.
   3₁ ekki :
   3 er e. skr. B. — 52 feskum: fogrum.
   3 ein : heim.
   32*

500
RÍMNASAFN
6. Fell þar niðr inn fjórði óðr
fjarðar báls um hlíði,
ristill sitr í Reinsborg hljóðr,
rekkar búaz við stríði .
7. Hér var eigi hugað til friðs,
harmar listug kvinna,
sjau þúsundir Serkja liðs
sátu um borg að vinna.
8. Littað mega nú liggja kyrr
ljóð um rómu slíka;
greinum hitt, að gjorðiz fyrr
um Geirarð jall inn ríka.
9. Hitt var fyrri fest í spjall,
flaustr um oldur renna
þá er inn hoski Hávarð jall
hitti Geirarð þenna.
10. Reiknaði hann fyri refla gátt,
að reyna þyrfti frægðir ;
jallinn tók því ollu fátt,
eigi skortir slægðir .
11. Andsvor þótti afreksmanns
eigi sem kjósa vildi,
því fór Hávarð heim í Franz
hrotta prýddr og skildi.
12. Jallinn tekr
í annan stað
só elskuliga að minnaz,
hvessu mjúkt að bréfið bað,
að bragnar skyldi finnaz.
13. Þá er hann mælti mest í mót
mildings tign og vífi,
unni hann þessi ungu snót
jafnt og sínu lífi .
62 fiarða skr. A.
en r . skr. B.
4
ur: oldu.
hann h . skr. B.
4
129 só : ul.
kune i B.
13₁ mælti :
talaði .
91 í : á.
old-
2
111 -svor: -svar.
2 mil- :
herefter la-

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR V
501
14. Jallinn Geirarð anzar nú,
orr til snildarverka :
„vilju vér ekki frelsa frú
og finna hann Príamús sterka ?
15. Brúði trúig að bresti lið
beint um allar greinir,
frú mun þurfa virða við,
vér verðum ekki of seinir."
16. Galefreyr hét einn gofugur jall,
Geirarðs vinr og frændi ;
hann var fyrr á flæmskum hjall,
foður hans Viljálm kvændi .
17. Dreif að jollum flokkrinn flestr
fjolnis storm að vinna,
aðrir fóru
í Valland vestr
Viljálm kóng að finna.
18. Herrann ferr með holda þrjá,
hjálpa vill hann brúði,
nefndr er annar Níziká,
næstur Franke inn prúði.
19. Herrann lætur hesta þrjá
hverjum þeira búna,
þar skal setja soðla á
silfri og gulli snúna.
20. Herra jall og holdar tveir
hesta renna láta ;
norðr í Reinsborg ríða þeir,
rétt er komið
í máta.
21. Bragnar ætla að brjóta frið
og bregða mæki snorpum,
morgin þann skal meyjar lið
mæta Príamús gorpum .

194 lyder i Sth, måske
171 flestr : Sth.; fríðr A.
rigt.: með silfr og gullið snúna .

502
RÍMNASAFN
22. Læst er hvert með lásum port,
lék um grindin fríða,
það hefr jungfrú Elinborg ort ;
inn má hvergi ríða.
23. Lýðir geta lopthús sjá
læst með hurðir tvennar,
þar var kurteis kvinnan hjá,
koma þeir nú til hennar.
24. Húsfrú tekr að heilsa brátt
heiðurs-monnum snjollum,
„veri þér hér, kvað víf í nátt,
vís er greiðinn ollum.“
25. þegnar lágu þessa nátt
þar með heiðri sonnum,
jungfrú sagði auðargátt
alt af kómumonnum.
26. „Þar eru komnir þrír með mekt
þengils garpar snjallir,
get eg því ongvan garpinn þekt,
grímur hafa þeir allir."
27. Sætan anzar sorgar full :
„segir þú vel, mín kæri,
nóglegt skyldi eg gefa þér gull,
ef Geirarð ungi væri."
28. Snemma vakna stoltarmenn
og stóðu þegar í klæði ;
lúðrar margir létu í senn,
leikur alt á þræði .
29. Margan sá þeir heiðinn hund
herra Priamó veita ;
þakin er oll af þegnum grund,
það má fylking heita.
22, um : á Sth .
ort : Sth.; gjort A.
skr. A.
3
241 Hustru

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR V
503
30. Hilmi á móti Hávarð jall
hefr upp stríðið kalda,
einn veg skyldi ungr sem kall
út af Reinsborg halda.
31. Hittiz þetta ið harða lið,
hindrar ekki garpa;
tjáir nú ekki að tala um frið,
tókz upp róman snarpa.
32. Mækir klýfur marga í senn,
meiðaz sumir á fleinum .
Sætan lítr á sína menn,
hún sitr í turni einum.
33. Kómumenn, þeir kæran bauð,
kalsa sín á milli :
„það mun fremd að fá sér auð
og fylgja Serkja stilli.
34. Hlaupa þeir á hesta sín,
horðum vápnum spentir,
aðra geymir auðar-Lin,
ekki skortir mentir .
35. Svanninn lítur seggi þrjá
svortum hestum ríða,
einkis mátti anlit sjá
Elinborg drottning fríða .
36. Hestr er brúnn, en soðull er svartr,
só var allur reiði ;
engi hlutr er á þeim bjartr,
ýmsir hofðu á skeiði.
37. Þegar að svanninn sæmdarfríðr
sér hans vápn og klæði,
þar eru æ sem jallinn ríðr
augun hennar bæði .
38. Framm af skógi flokki að
fyrðar þessir hleypa,
þrjátigi manna þegar í stað
þeir til jarðar steypa .

504
RÍMNASAFN
39. Geirarð á það Gildings bál
geysivel má prófaz ;
einn veg klýfr það stein sem stál,
stokkur eigi né sljófaz.
40. Lofðung ruddi litla stund
leið að kóngsins merkjum,
þá hefr fylkir felt á grund
fimtigi manns af Serkjum.
41. Hoggur hann með hrotta þeim
hrausta kóngsins lýði,
aldri litu þeir útí heim
jafningja hans að prýði .
42. „Maumet gefi þeim manni ei hlíf,
meistari vór inn góði,
er hrotta þenna hefr í kíf
og hjortu klýfr af móði.“
43. Herra Príamús horfði á,
hirðin tók að falla;
bystur gjorði buðlung þá
bróður sinn að kalla.
44. „Bráðan láttu brodda fund,
bróðir, eigi dvína,
dreptu þann inn djarfa hund,
eð deyðir þegna mína.“
45. Baldvini sitr á brúnum mar,
burdstong sina spennir,
hefr sig framm í hrotta skar,
herra Geirarð kennir.
46. Ósvif tók sinn unda nadr
efldan dýrum steinum,
sjá var Baldvina merkismaðr
og mætir Geirarðs sveinum.
41 , þeim : só A.
, kóngsins : iallsens A. 4 jafningja :
líkann A.
423 hefr: ber A.

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR V
505
47. Franki leggur fleininn á,
fagran skjoldinn meiðir ;
nú kom að honum Níziká,
noktan brandinn reiðir.
48. Hrapaði niðr inn heiðni maðr,
hlífin engi gætir ;
Baldvini frækni grimdar glaðr
Geirarð jalli mætir.
49. Stongina þrífur stillir bráðr,
stoðar nú ekki að hamla,
tvisvar nefndi hann Terogant áðr
og Tyrkja-þór inn gamla,
50. Heiðinn maðr í lofðungs lind
lagði hvossu spjóti,
só var Herjans hallar grind
horð sem stæði í grjóti.
51. Geirarð færði glaðiel sitt
í gegnum skjoldinn stinna,
brynjan get eg að bjargi lítt,
Baldvini mun það finna.
52. Broddrinn smýgur búk og rendr,
biluðu allar gerðar,
fets og álnar fjoðrin stendr
fylki út um herðar.
53. Dauðinn var honum skjótliga skiptr,
skatnar sá það fróðir,
þar lá eptir ondu sviptr
annar Príamús bróðir .
54. Borðuz þeir, só brynjað lið
brátt lá dautt um vollu ;
myrkrið býður monnum frið,
mál er hvíldar ollum.
:
491 Stongina: Skaptit A ; jfr. 459.
liggur A.
54, brátt lá :

506
RÍMNASAFN
55. Hávarð ferr til hallar ríkr
heim með drengi sína;
tiggi ofan til tjalda vikr,
takaz mun stærri pína.
56. Þengill talar í þetta sinn,
þraut er búinn að gjalda :
„hvar er hann Baldvini, bróðir minn,
hann býz ekki til tjalda.“
57. Svaradi hinn með sútar lag :
,,segi eg þér með greinum,
hann var, fylkir, feldr í dag
af Frankismanni einum."
58. Þegar að heptiz hjorfa róg
og holdar slíðra geira,
jallinn hefr sig út á skóg,
ekki sér hans meira .
59. Loptið fann, sá lýði vό,
og ljósa þellu hringa,
færði hann henni fálka tvó
og fjolda vænna þinga.
60. Drekka þeir hjá gullaz gátt
gestir, en eigi fleiri.
Þar svaf jallinn aðra nátt
enn hjá bauga Eiri .
61. Frægur herra festir blund,
firður ollum pinum;
veik að hvílu hringa grund
og hyggr að gestum sínum .
62. Ágæt lítur auðar strond
anlit Geirarðs prúða,
þar með ljósa lofðungs hond
lukta vænum skrúða.
58, hjorfa: laufa A.
Sth. har: þegar létti laufa róg
lýðir
sl . g.
bauda A.
601 þeir :
skr.
þier.
bauga:
Sth.;
4

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR V
507
63. Strengir aptur reisugt rann
ristill þessi inn prúði ;
kemr í borg og kæru fann,
kalsar þegar við brúði.
64. „Drengir þrír með dygðar plag
drekka í húsi mínu,
þeir hafa, brúðrin, bariz í dag
best af fólki þínu.
65. Þetta er heldr að skýra skamt,
skipaðeg þeim að liggja,
anlit þeira allra samt
einn veg leit eg þriggja.
66. Tíguligir eru tveir að sjá,
tel eg þá hrausta drengi ;
kyrran leit eg herrann hjá,
hans er líkinn engi .
67. Horfða eg upp á ljósan lit
lofðungs þess ins dýra,
berr það eigi mit breyska vit
blóma hans að skýra .
68. Sem þar stæði eitt listugt ljós
liljutrés ins græna
samtempraz með sætu rós
sólarsteins ins væna.
69. þótt eg lægi lengi í kor
og lita eg herrann þenna,
anlit bjart, en augun snor,
einkis mundi eg kenna.
70. Myndin báði mjúk og hrein
á mildings brjósti snjollu,
sem það fíls ið fegrsta bein
fágað hvítri mjollu.
64, húsi mínu: húsum mínum A (Sth., der så har:
af mönnum þínum).
663 leit : læt A.

508
RÍMNASAFN
71. Lék á fingri Fófnis beðr,
fest með silkiþræði,
líkt sem átti yðvar feðr,
einn veg vóru bæði.“
72. Meyjan anzar miðlungs kát,
hún mintiz gjorða sinna :
„gjor mér hvorki gabb né lát,
þú gakk til hvílu þinnar."
73. Veik að hvílu hringa gátt
hremd af sútar bandi.
Drengjum líðr in dokkva nátt.
Duga mun hér þótt standi.
VI .

1. Fljóðum rjóðum fyrr í heim
   færðu mærð að skemta þeim,
   þetta kvitta mansongs menn,
   þeir mæla og tæla vifin enn.
2. Kæran fær fyri kvintan brag
   kveðja og gleðja nátt sem dag,
   unna, kunna afmors spil,
   ekki er rekkum meira til .
3. Vífa líf sem veroldin hér,
   valt það alt í burt frá mér ;
   ei mun heimrinn einn um sig
   annan þanninn hata sem mig.
4. Hinn er kvinnur hatar með sút,
   hvessu er þessi leikinn út?
   hann mun þann veg hjara sem sauðr,
   hvórki orkaz lífs né dauðr.
   71 , fest: læs festr, Sth .

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR V-VI
509
5. þó skal óska þegar í stað
þjóð og fljóð sem áðan bað
flaustrið traust um gullaz grund
greina eina litla stund .
6. Dróttum nótt in dokkva líðr,
dagr kom fagr og einkar-blíðr,
háðu á láði holdar enn
hringa þing við Príamús menn.
7. Menn um þenna morgin brátt
meiða og reiða sverðin hátt,
hvíta rít í hjorva fund
herrinn berr og skipaz á grund .
8. Verður ferð að verja hjall,
vildi mildur Hávarð jall
sveitum veita listugt lið,
lýðir þýðir bjugguz við .
9. Milding vill fyri menja hlíð
mentum spentur framm í stríð ;
klæðiz bæði hart og snart,
holdar voldu stálið bjart.
10. Jallinn snjalli brynju berr,
blíðr í síða plátu ferr,
holti stoltr að hálsi læstr,
handar sandi víða glæstr.
11. Hofuð á jofri hjálmrinn veltr,
hreinum steinum grafinn og smeltr;
brandinn vandar buðlung mest
bindr við linda og stígr á hest.
12. þung er slungin þengils rit ;
þessi ess eru gervoll hvít,
só vel hófar soðullinn á ;
síðan ríður hverr sem má.
63 háðu : háði A.
93 klæðiz : klædduz hds.

510
RÍMNASAFN
13. Rumdi og glumdi Reinsborg oll ;
rikust víkur menja þoll,
áður náði af ýtum spurn,
enn í þenna fríða turn.
14. Listugr ristill lítur þá,
lengi drengi horfir á ;
kennir hún þann, er koppum veldr,
kvinnan svinn og gladdiz heldr.
15. Fríðir ríða fyrðar brátt
framm í ramman orva þátt;
þegnar gegnir þegar í stað
þeysa og geysa rómu að.
16. Fleinum skeinaz fyrðar á,
ferðin verðr að hníga sjá ;
brjóta og skjóta bragnar hlíf,
bæsingr æsir fleina drif.
17. Harður varð þar hjálma fundr,
hringar springa þvert í sundr;
gnýr er nýr só gekk um lond,
gnustu og brustu spjót við rond .
18. Bita og slíta blóðug sverð
bæði klæði, vápn og gerð,
hríð af stríði herðu þá,
hrukku og stukku járnin blá.
19. Herrann ferr með sveinum sín,
sveitum veitiz meisl og pin ;
kúgaz múgr af kostum drengs ,
klæðin mæða suma til sprengs .
20. Geirarð eirir gorpum lítt,
gengur drengur einkar-stritt ;
skjálfa sjálfir skildir viðr,
skýft og stýft er fólkið niðr.
173 læs gnýr og nýr (= gnýr) ? -
183 herðu : họrðu A.

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR VI
511
21. Sterka Serki brandrinn beit,
blóð á þjóðum Príamús leit ;
hilding vildi hefnaz þá,
hlýra dýran kóngrinn á.
22. Berz á hesti Baldvini digr,
brátt og hátt með gyldan vigr,
hann hjó með skjóma hundrað manns,
hraustr og traustur, Frakkalands .
23. Kallar jall með kappi hátt,
hann kennir þenna víking brátt :
„Baldvini, aldri brestur þér,
betra get eg að komir þú hér !"
24. „Baldvini, aldri bilaðir þú,
bróðir góður, dreptu hann nú,
manninn þann í málma flóð
mína pínir valda þjóð.“
25. Sterkr og merkur stoltarmann
stefndi nefndur framm fyri hann,
knár og hár eð Knabri hét,
klofna og sofna fylking lét.
26. Noktu hrokti Níciká
niðjungs miðju báli þá,
fljótt og ótt að Franki leggr,
fell að velli inn heiðni seggr .
27. Reiðr og greiður ræsis þegn
ríður síðan jalli í gegn,
finnaz svinnir fyrðar þá,
fundrinn mundi harður sá .
28. Meinin greinaz morg að tjá,
mælti væltur Baldvini þá :
„góður Óðinn, gef þú mér
gildr í hildi sigr af þér.“
261 Noktu : Nocktum A.
ordet er i hds . afbleget.

273 svinnir :
þessir A ;

512
RÍMNASAFN
29. Fríðir ríðaz fyrðar að,
foldar moldin skalf í stað,
gerðu að herða glaðiel mjó,
gengur drengur hvórgi af jó .
30. Jallinn snjalli að reið fast,
arfa karfinn Sifjar brast;
kunni unni kyngi-þundr
krapt, en skaptið stokk í sundr.
31. Báleygs stáli brigða hvast
brennu spennir sverðið fast;
eigi sveigir jallinn laust,
orku hvórki bilar né traust.
32. Reið að heiðnum ræsi þá
randa grand, það jallinn á;
Baldvina aldri bilaði hót,
barðann harðan setti í mót.
33. Illa spilliz járna strond,
eggin sveggjar niðr um rond,
mundriða sundrar mækir blár,
minniz hinn hann verður sár.
34. Klæði bæði og kóngsins hand
klýfr og skýfir hvossum brand,
síðu sníðr og fótinn frá,
fallinn kalleg Baldvina þá .
35. Mest af hesti milding hné,
misti hann list og gjorvalt fé ;
skrautið hlaut sá skartið vann,
skilr að vilja þar við hann.
36. Ófnis klofnar einka-serkr ;
óð í blóði herra sterkr,
sem þar lemdi drákon digr
drengja mengi ógurligr.
293 glaðiel : skr. gladel A. - 31, fast: hvast A.
2

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR VI
513
37. Þrýtur ýtum þenna dag,
þetta settiz hjorva slag;
blíðir slíðra Báleygs eld,
brátt kom nátt, en líðr á kveld.
38. Old að tjoldum oðlings vikr;
angri fanginn Príamús ríkr
burðugr spurði bragna, hvar
bróðir góður kóngsins var.
39. Anzar hans inn æzti maðr :
„ei mun beimum verri staðr,
harður barðiz hlýri þinn
hagr í dag með hraustleik sinn .
40. Reyndi leyndr í rómu skæðr
ríðari stríð við yðvarn bræðr,
þann klauf hann með sverði í sundr,
sár og grár var þeira fundr."
41. Þá fór Hávarð heim í borg
hentr og spentr af allri sorg ;
sætan mæt að seggi spyrr,
síðan fríð, hvé gangi styrr .
42. Minnigr innir Máguss niðr
af mekt og spekt, sem sprundið biðr:
„ríðr í stríðið riddari einn,
ríkan slíkan sá eg ei neinn .
43. þeystu og geystu þundar slag
þrennir menn inn fyrra dag,
sá var þá með svartan hest
sveinn, er einna barðiz best.
44. Dróttum ótt í dag sem gær
drengir gengu furðu nær,
hvíta rít og hvassan geir
herrann berr og menn hans tveir."
40, ríð- : ridd- A.
44, drengir : dreingjum A.
33

514
RÍMNASAFN
45. Burðug spurði bragna þar
brúður prúð hvar þessi var
drengr, er mengi dró frá sorg :
„hví drekkr hann ekki i vórri borg?"
46. Rjóðu fljóði svaraði sveit
síðan fríð að engi veit
hess, hvar þessi hilding mætr
hvíldi mildur allar nætr.
47. Í máta kát er meyjan þá,
mengið gengur svefn að fá ;
líður síðan randa róg,
ríkur vikur jall á skóg.
48. Kvómu frómir kappar heim,
kvinnan vinnur náðir þeim .
Forlaz gjorla fræða máttr,
falli allur dýri háttr.
VII .

1. Forlaz óðr að fremja hróðr
   um frúr og kalla ;
   því er eg hljóðr og mærðarmóðr,
   má eg það valla.
2. Hróðrar skil má heyra til
   og helzt í máta ;
   gullaz Bil kann gleðiligt spil
   á gólfi að láta.
3. Gleði er slíkt með gumnum rikt
   að gamna þjóðum ;
   mansongs dikt er merkiligt
   og mjúkt í hljóðum .
   3g
   -ligt : her beg . B igen.

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR VI-VII
515
4. Fyrri unnu fljóð, sem kunnu,
frægðargorpum ;
hjorva runnum hjortun brunnu
af harmi snorpum .
5. Príamús hlaut að prófa þraut
fyri pella gunni ;
misti hann skraut fyri menja Gaut
því hann meyju unni.
6. Mirman fann að móðir vann
mein að vinna ;
leysti þann in ljúfa mann
listug kvinna.
7. Ástin spilt gat visi vilt
af véla bondum,
fljóðið ilt er fekk hann spilt
af frúinnar hondum .
8. Auðgrund þekk, er Ívent fekk,
og allvel trúði ;
meinið gekk að mildings rekk,
hann misti brúði .
9. Sjóli fæddr af sóma gæddr
sorg bar nóga,
hann fór mæddr og meinum æddr
á merkr og skóga .
10. Harma bann að Flóres fann,
í frægðum trúr,
lék um hann, því brjóstið brann
fyri Blankinnflúr.
•
..
43 runnum: runnu A , B.
53 fyri
Gaut : og ..
laut.
hann : ul.
61 Mírmant skr. B.
A B; for kann ?
4
listar skr. B.
B; mengið A.
4
3
4
vann : sål.
þann : hann.
in ljúfa : er leide.
sú
71 vísi : vísu.
3 er: ul.
83 meinið .
misti h . skr. B.
93 og : af.
æddr :
103
lék um :
lokkaði .
B; gæddr
A.
á: um.
4
4 Blankinn- : Blankan- .

33*

516
RÍMNASAFN
11. Sogð var dauð frá sínum auð
in svinna meyja,
harmrinn bauð fyri hjartans nauð
honum að þreyja.
12. Auðar eik í yndis leik
til ástar verka
gjorðiz veik, en sætan sveik
hann Samsón sterka.
13. Skorið var hár en sorgin sár
sótti hann
fyri það dár og dauðans fár,
er Dálídá vann .
14. Kunnigt var fyri koppum þar,
að kvintu vífi
sorgar par, er Sorli bar
í sínu lífi.
15. Hrygðin snart i hyggju part
og harmar stríðir
spennir hart, en sprundið bjart
sprakk um síðir.
16. Barðiz móður fimr og fróðr
fyrr á hjall,
rikr og óður riddari góðr,
Rollant jall .
17. Hringpoll skær var honum só kær
til hjartans þinga ;
festar mær það fell só nær,
hún fór að springa .
18. Margur senn af meinum brenn
fyri menja brík,
fleiri menn hafa fallið enn
í forlog slík.
11, dauð : rauð.
123 sætan: síðan .
13, að s .
14. kvinti skr. A.
153 hart : snart.
skr. B.
spr. skr.B.
171 var : er.
só : var .
4 þar

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR VII
4
517
19. Væri greint ef vífið hreint
vildi svá ;
oss er meint og ærið seint
að akta þá .
20. Fengi eg spent og frygðar kent
við fljóðið ríkt,
þeim er hent við mansongs ment,
er máttu slíkt.
21. Hvað skal sá, sem ekki má,
til yndis stunda,
lifa með þrá og létta frá
fyri látin sprunda .
22. Sá hefr verr, að sorgir berr,
og semr um fræði,
annar hverr að einatt ferr
með afmors kvæði .
23. Setta eg brag við sæmdarlag
með silki-Nonnum.
þriðja dag var þrautarslag
með þengils monnum .
24. Fólkið mótt vill ferðaz ótt
af frúinnar hollu,
kóngsins drótt með kapp og þrótt
er komin á vollu .
25. Sveitin herð er sæmdar verð,
er sjóli treysti ;
Príamús ferð er ploguð með gerð
að prófa hreysti .
26. Dugir ei verr en dauðinn ferr
að drengjum folskum,
sá kom herr, að hjálma berr,
með hilmi volskum .
218-4 lyder i B: leiti frá og lifi með þrá | lysting
sprunda.
231 við: með.
253
gerð :
sverð.
vęskum og så koskum

2 með : um og så Nonnu .
261
verr :
her.
folskum:
2

518
RÍMNASAFN
27. Vallands gramur, vísir framr,
er Viljálm heitir,
frægðarsamr og furðu tamr
að fella sveitir .
28. Geirarðs feðr að gorpum veðr
og grimmleik sannar ;
sá var meðr, sem garpa gleðr,
Galifreyr annar.
29. Jallinn prúði unni brúði,
ei mun hræðaz .
Fylkir trúði Fjolnis skrúði,
fór að klæðaz .
30. Finnsleif sjá, sem fylkir á,
fátt mun granda ;
spyrjaz má, hann spenti þá
spjót og randa .
31. Hann berr meir og menn hans tveir
makt af flestum,
ríða þeir með rond og geir
á rauðum hestum .
32. Sætan ein bar sorg og mein
í sinnu holl;
borgin Rein með býsna grein,
hún bifaðiz oll.
33. Lita víf á lofðungs kif
listarfull ;
skær var hlíf um skjoldungs líf,
sem ið skíra gull .
34. Undin sviður, jallinn ríðr,
jórnum rendi ;
mækir fríður mengið sníðr
úr mildings hendi .
27, hjalm skr. B.
skr. A.
4 og f. skr. B.

291 vinni
3
30, fátt m.: fæst má.
hann
33, ið : ul.
þá: að
þrá.
4 spj . og :
spjóti .
4
284 og G. skr. B.
342 og j . skr. B.

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR VII
519
35. Fekk þeim skamm af Fjornis gram ,
er fell á Serki ;
brunaði framm i brodda glamm
bragnings merki .
36. Reið hann fast í randa kast
og rænir drengi ;
stálið hvast um stilli brast
og stýfir mengi .
37. Geirarð reið, en gata var breið
að gildum þegnum,
setti á skeið só langa leið
liðið í gegnum.
38. Blankandin hét buðlungs vin,
eð barðiz þar,
mundar skin í málma hvin
og merkið bar.
39. Sækir þegn i sverða regn,
en syngja fleinar,
koma í gegn við grimmligt megn
Geirarðs sveinar.
40. Þessir tveir fyri þorna Eir
þangað kvómu,
hittuz þeir með hvassan geir
og hefja upp rómu.
41. Fjornir sá er Franker á,
er furðu breiðr ;
Níciká er nærri þá
og nú er hann reiðr.
42. Herrinn beið, en hoggið reið
sem harðast má,
fótinn sneið af fleina meið
og fell hann þá.
353 brunaði : brunar þá .
4 stýfir : steypir.
36, fast : B; fram A.
373 setti : herefter lakune i B.

520
RIMNASAFN
43. Langa stund við laufa fund
er lýðrinn sterki,
fell á grund við fleina lund
ið fagra merki .
44. Hrotta rýður hilmir þýðr
í heiðnu blóði,
Príamús lýður brandinn býðr
og berz af móði.
45. Príamús sá, hvar lýðrinn lá
og lífið misti;
býr sig þá að brytja ná
og brandinn hristi.
46. Hildrin sú mun hugga frú
í hjartans palli .
Mál er nú, á mína trú,
að mærðin falli.
VIII .

1. Óvidíús fann eina bók,
   oll var listum slungin;
   þau eru flest oll kvæðin klók
   af kvenna lofinu sungin.
2. þau eru flest oll frygðar lát
   af fogrum ástar greinum,
   fruktuð orð og fræði kát
   af frúm og ærligsveinum .
3. Syrgja þeir um Sorla á valt,
   en sumir um Tristrams þvinga,
   hversu þeira hjartað snjalt
   af harmi náði að springa .
   443 brandrinn skr. A.

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR VII-VIII
521
4. þótt hann lifi sinn allan aldr
upp frá bernsku tíma,
ferr hann æ só frosinn og kaldr,
finnr ei elsku bríma.
5. Hyggi að því heiðurs-menn,
er hæveskum fljóðum unna,
margir fá þeir ástir enn,
er ongvan mansong kunna .
6. Frúinnar ást og frygðug spil
fróma hjortun seggja ;
ekki veit eg yndis til,
af mun eg þetta leggja.
7. Hitt var fyrr í hróðri sagt,
holdar skýfðu Serki ;
fyrðar treysta á forz og makt,
felt var Príamús merki .
8. Skemtan mundi að skýra lengr,
ef skatnar væri hlióðir,
hversu jallinn Geirarð gengr
gegnum Serkja þjóðir.
9. Heiðna drengi hoggr í strá
herra jallinn teiti,
engi nennir upp að skrá
allra þeira heiti .
10. Serkja kóngrinn sæmdir vann,
sér hvar garpar óðu ;
skjaldborg var þá skotið um hann,
skatnar undir stóðu .
11. Reiðin hljóp í ræsi nú
að reyna stálið fríða,
ætlar sér fyri unga frú
eitt sinn framm að ríða.
12. Kóngrinn hefr eitt kurteist ess
af Kaldíalandi austan,
undraz mátti afburð þess ,
afl og reiðann traustan.

522
RÍMNASAFN
13. Hann er kominn í hringu þá,
heiðnir meistarar gjorðu ;
valla bíta vópnin á,
var hún af stáli horðu .
14. Fjornir kóngs er fagr sem eldr,
framinn með sterku barði,
ofan í miðjann æginn feldr
ádímás steinninn harði .
15. Fylkis skjoldr er furðu stór,
fágaðr noðru bóli,
markaðr á inn mikli þór
og Merkúríús á stóli.
16. Príamús lét einn pictor skrá,
prýddan gyldum rondum,
allan skjoldinn út í frá
ævintýrum vondum.
17. Sverð var honum við síðu fest,
silfri og gulli bundið ;
það hefr verið ið þriðja mest
í þessum heimi fundið .
18. Spennir síðan spjótið hvast,
sparar ei ess að keyra;
hleypir þegar á fylking fast,
flóði vollr í dreyra.
19. Hverr sem kom við hann til móts
hraustr af frúinnar þegnum,
láta varð hann líf og góts,
lagður spjóti í gegnum .
20. Serkja kóngrinn sverði brá,
sindrar af því víða;
hinn mun verða að hverfa frá,
er heljar vill ei bíða.
143 feldr : konj. i afskr.; settr A.

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR VIII
523
21. Brandrinn hvass, en buðlung reiðr
bregður lífi seggja,
hann var fjogra fóta breiðr,
faðma langur tveggja.
22. Nadda él að nýju vex,
nú má undur kalla,
einatt vó hann að sinni sex,
sverðið drap þá alla .
23. þrysvar gegnum fylking ferr
að fella roska drengi ;
flýja mundi frúinnar herr,
ef færi þann veg lengi .
24. Jallinn sér á oðlings stríð,
ei fannz riddari betri,
minniz á, hvað meyjan blíð
mælti fyrr í letri .
25. Frægðarmaðr á fálka strond
festi skjoldinn rauða,
sá mun verja víf og lond
og veita Priamús dauða.
26. Ægir hans var engum likr,
allur settur steinum;
skein á hendi skjoldrinn slíkr
skrifaður brogðum einum .
27. Ríkir herrar ríðaz að mót,
rýmir fólk á velli ;
brigðir mun fyri bjarta snót
brotna skjótt í kelli.
28. Herra Príamús hefr só mál :
„heyr það, jall inn prúði,
yðr er þetta ærið tál
ætla að verja brúði.“
214 tveggja: her beg. B. igen.
221 að : af.
ferr : fór .
4 þannin skr. B.
253 víf : vef skr. A.
263 slíkr : B; fridr A.
231
27, að: ul.
brigðill skr. B.
1
3
4 skjótt : B; þuss A.
kelli: felli A; belli B.

524
RIMNASAFN
29. Hinn réð kalla hátt og snjalt :
„heyr það, Príamús fríði,
virða lið skal varaz það alt,
að veita okkr
í stríði .
30. Valla hefr eg vænna séð
vísi rómu heyja,
mikið er yðr af mentum léð,
máttú valla deyja.' ,
31. „Buðlungs tign og brendan seim
báði skal eg þig auðga,
bjarta sæktú brúði heim
og ber hana hingað nauðga.“
32. Jallinn svaraði, allvel stiltr .
„auð má eg nógan hljóta,
þarf eg eigi, þengill viltr,
þín við slíkt að njóta."
33. Odling svaraði annað sinn,
einkar- mildr af seimi :
„leit eg aldri líka þinn
lifanda mann í heimi .
34. Vertú mér í verki trúr,
vinnum londin báðir,
þá eru nógar fagrar frúr,
fáum við yndi og náðir.
35. Nætur þrjár skal náða oss
Nanna gulls ins rauða,
í faðmi spenni eg falda Hnoss,
fyrr mun hún kjósa dauða .
36. Síðan skaltú sæmd af mér,
svinni herra, þiggja ;
þá skal ung á armi þér
Elinborg drottning liggja .
4
30₁ hefr: B; hef A.
máttu : muntu.
32, lyder i B: auðr er nógur að h.

• 31 , báði :
  2
  bæði .
  B; nú A.
  gleði og n.
  2 og v. skr. B.
  4 lyder
  i B:
  36, svinnur skr. B.
  34, mér:
  að fá með

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR VIII
525
37. Báðir skulu við blóta goð
og brenna kirkjur allar ;
þetta er mitt ið besta boð,
búumz við nú til hallar."
38. Jallinn svaraði einkar-reiðr,
elsku trúeg að kenni :
„aldri skaltú, aumr og leiðr,
eiga vald á henni.
39. Fenga eg af frúinni já,
frægðin má því ráða,
munda eg aldri meyna ljá,
milding, þér til náða .
40. Skjótliga mætti skemdin slík
skeðja þér með pínum
fyrr en þetta ið ljósa lík
lægi í faðmi þínum."
41. Mildings arfi mektarverðr
mæki bregðr að stilli,
sá var allur eitri herðr
odds og hjalta milli.
42. Harðan kemr þá hjálminn í
hrotti jalls inn sterki,
hann mun gjora í hoggi því
herralausa Serki .
43. Hjálminn allan, haus og tenn
hlutaði sverðið fríða,
búk og hlífar bæði senn,
brátt má hann hvergi ríða .
44. Tók í sundur týgin oll,
tiggja hest og klæði ;
síðan rendi sverð í voll,
sukku hjoltin bæði .
37, blóta :
brjóta .
4 buuz skr. A.
armr .

• 393 m. ljá : meina þá .
  2 þér: þig;
  pínu skr. A.
  jalls inn: jallsins .
  í : með .
  3

383 aumr:
40, skjót- : skjal-.
429
414 í milli skr. B.

444 so s. skr. B.

526
RÍMNASAFN
45. Keisaradóttir kónginn sá
krjúpa þar frá londum,
ollu kastar auðar Gná
angri sér af hondum .
46. Jallinn lét só gyldan geir
ganga riddurum snorpum,
eigi stóðu eptir tveir
af ollum Priamús gorpum.
47. Klæddiz þegar in kvinta snót
kvennmanns allri prýði
Geirarð jalli gengr á mót
gloð með borgar lýði .
48. Mektarlig var mótferð sú,
múgrinn heiðrar svanna ;
erkibiskup fylgir frú
og fjoldi lærðra manna .
49. Mektarfult var meyjar lið,
múrinn skalf inn sterki .
Brunar þá framm i borgar hlið
burðugt Geirarðs merki .
50. Hér í flokki herrann ríðr,
heyrir gný til strengja,
faðir hans sjálfur fylgir blíðr,
og fjoldi tignardrengja .
51. Hæveskliga til herrans veik
heiðurs voldug kæra,
Fróða var sjá flúra eik
fegri en gullið skæra.
52. Meyjan gaf þá mektarlig
mætum hringa spenni
ríkið alt og sjálfa sig,
síst var fæð á henni .
453 auðar Gná : B; angri þá A.
4 angri ; B; fliodit
A.
47g á : ul. A.
B.
3 fylgir : B; fylkir A.
50, herra skr. B.
só h . skr.
2

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR VIII
527
53. Kurteis jall til kirkju vikr,
kappar messu hlýða ;
hringa grund og hilmir ríkr,
hvort skal annað prýða .
54. Organ þaut, en alt var kátt
innan staðar í hollum;
aðrir slógu horpur hátt,
hringt var klukkum ollum.
55. Púsuð er með prúðan jall
pella Rist in dýra,
keisara nafn og kóngligt hjall
kappinn fekk að stýra.
56. Stoltarmann í stóra holl
stigr og sprundið ljósa ;
veislan gekk með æru oll,
eigi má vænni kjósa.
57. Eigi fekk hún orða gætt
áðr á þeira fundi,
nú er það alt með blíðu bætt
best af vænu sprundi .
58. Mánuð stóð ið mikla hóf,
mikið er slíkt að fregna;
fjárhlut þann má færa í óf,
er fylkir berr á þegna.
59. Plagaðiz af því prýðin sterk,
er Príamús lét hann falla ;
kunnig verða kóngsins verk
um kringlu heimsins alla.
60. Konungi unni kvinnan hrein,
en keisarinn stoltarvífi ;
þar komz alldri milli mein
meðan þau heldu lífi.
54, hollu skr. B.

551 Pússuð skr. B.
57, þeira : herra .
það : ul.
3
milli skr. B.
á m. skr. B.
4
583 óf: lof.
er: var .
603
1

528
RÍMNASAFN
61. Gjorla hefr eg Geirarðs þátt
glósað út um stundir ;
kveikjur munu þær kólna brátt,
er kvæðið lagði eg undir.
62. Skiljaz ætla eg vísu við
veri það nú til reiða,
taki nú við þeim Tems og Nið,
troll og svellið breiða.
63. Litt mun þikkja bragrinn breyttr
bjartri menja þollu,
nú er eg upp á þessu þreyttr,
þagna skal eg með ollu .
Bemærkninger .

I.
12
fjarðar
fasti (= ild)
'guld' .
213 með-
móð :
hører
disse
ord sammen med
hjortum?
Eller
bet. de,
at løven ikke behøver at anvende megen kraft
og vrede?
26. De to mænd kaldes i sagaen Niceta
og Frankus .
II. 43 borða band = 'de sammenföjede planker' .
III.
18 og 19 bör måske byttes om .
401 synes
forvansket.
Sætningen synes at være en trussel om at
binde hende til en bjælke med trin (stige)?; især synes
sér her at være galt. - 423 staligt = staðligt
'bestemt' .
533 eg var ǝ : jeg havde været'
IV. 81 pressu må være 'seglet' for brevet.
2 pellan
perlan ?
374 bragða sjóðr = 'bryst .
V.
164 Subj . i kvændi ɔ :
'gav en hustru' er Gale-
253 jungfrú er dativ,
2 :
Elinborg .
262
freyr .
4
613 brátt : þrátt.
622 það: B; þér A.
svellið: B;
sverðin A.
634 og þ . skr. B.

GEIRARÐSRÍMUR VIII
529
Þengils : rigtigt?
343 „Kvinden iagttager de andre" ?;
meningen uklar og ordene
vist forvanskede.
Eller er
aðra
'de andre ǝ: heste' (de må da forudsættes at have
haft flere, hvad der fra
isl. standpunkt jo er det natur-
lige) ;
auðar - Lín er da kvinden, der havde herberget.
503
Herjans
hallar grind
er
' skjold' ,
men grind
passer ikke; her må der foreligge en hukommelsesfejl.-
694 „da vilde jeg ikke føle nogen smerte mer" .

VI.
93 Her foreligger en fejl, et bogstavrimord h ...
mangler, og det her sædvanlige indrim hart og
snart
f.
(?) og hart?
11₁ veltr : må være verbum, =
'dækker ?
303 kyngi - þundr må her bet.
'en kraftig,
mægtig
mand' ,
hvis
uforvansket.
311-9
Báleygs
brennu stáli er umuligt,
mulig skal der læses Báleygs
brennu (sværdets) Áli 'kriger' .
VII.
61 vann f. kann ?

212 stunda er verb.
354 Meningen? - 623-4 Sigtes her til en bestemt kvinde ,
hvis navn skulde indeholdes
i disse linjer?
34

Colophon

Geirarðsrímur is an eight-ríma cycle on Earl Geirarðr of Smáland and his pursuit of the Emperor's daughter Elinborg of France. The cycle is drawn from Geirarðs þáttr, the closing section of the longer Mágussaga — a romance of chivalry that inspired multiple rímur cycles. The central tension of the cycle is the siege of Reinsborg by the pagan king Príamús, who would claim Elinborg by force while Geirarðr approaches by love and kinship.

Good Works Translation from Old Icelandic by the New Tianmu Anglican Church with the assistance of Claude (Anthropic), 2026. The Old Icelandic source text follows below.

Compiled and formatted for the Good Work Library by the New Tianmu Anglican Church, 2026.

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Source Colophon

Source: Rímnasafn, Vol. II, ed. Finnur Jónsson (Copenhagen, 1914–1922), pp. 474–528.

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