Eleven rímur of chess challenge, siege, rescue, disguise, and war — the deeds of Sálus of Galicia and Níkanór, Duke of Bar, composed in medieval Iceland.

Ríma I

Mansöngr

1.
My song was made before from joyful ground,
the mouth of friendship spoke —
now the hard hour of sorrow presses close,
grief weighs in wisdom's hold.

2.
Though I seem merry among men
and offer them my skill to hear,
still the inner man sits restless,
the lament rising often, unnoticed.

3.
So shall I now draw grief aside
from Bödnar's body, made clear —
before hero and verse, the distant love
fades into what was.

4.
A mighty emperor governed Rome,
tested in wisdom and grace —
no lord has stood above one such as he,
foremost with sword and shield.

5.
His queen was wise and beautiful,
chosen from the finest blood,
gifted and greatly discerning,
noble above all arts.

6.
He ruled his realm with trusted counsel
west to Njörfi's sound;
Fenidi's shores fill the east
with the prince's sovereignty.

7.
The Mundía hills marked his borders to the north,
his renown and realm were great;
beyond the outer sea the other spur —
none was found like him.

8.
The emperor would grant his realm and counsel
to steadfast men he trusted,
those who held lands and homesteads
in fief from the bold king.

9.
While the adventure unfolds here,
I ask men to listen —
the lord prepares a magnificent feast
and gathers a great gathering.

10.
Rich and poor alike should share
at an equal lord's table;
the working folk and the humble thrall
shall each receive their portion.

11.
The noble duke of Galicia governed
in that time —
he has given to his warriors
a gift of red-gold arm-rings.

12.
Élíseus is the lord's name,
generous among brave warriors;
the prince's son stands second to none —
the people call him Sálus.

13.
He bore skill and bodily strength
far above other heroes —
to ride in the tournament's dust, to play at chess,
and to redden the keen blade.

14.
So steadfast is he in the joust
that none need bother to test it —
he wins at once with three weapons,
and the proof of it can hardly be hidden.

15.
He is gentle and pleasing
when no one opposes him,
but fierce as a wolf when he drinks victory
and yields to no threat.

16.
Nowhere could the race of men
find his equal in anything —
so sharp his mind, so single-minded,
dwelling most among the mighty.

17.
Two men with many an army
traveled to Rome's city —
there shall the destroyer of the serpent-rock
bring still greater grief.

18.
A duke lived out in Bar,
young and fair to look upon —
he let his blue-edged blades, Odin's falcon-feathers,
always bite deep.

19.
Men counted Níkanór
worth more than many a king —
widely had he wrought great deeds
with his reddened spear.

20.
North of the Greek sea no warrior worthier was found —
he bears fame and honor above all,
and no man more gifted can be found.

21.
His sister is fair and gracious,
surpassing all fine women —
firm and gentle alike she is shown to be,
her equal hard to come by.

22.
With her radiance she surpasses
even the moon of the sea —
she has been given the honored name
Lady Potenciána.

23.
In courtly virtue and a woman's worth
she excels in every measure —
what woman in all the world's households
shall we let be her equal?

24.
No sorrow-worn man burned
by ocean's fire,
but every thane healed and made whole
when the ring-tree led his eyes.

25.
She sends no one away empty-handed,
lavishes gold and clothing —
so things stand entirely well
with both noble siblings' renown.

26.
The duke's hall and following now
were filled with honor and cheer —
the wise Villifer came foremost in merits
next after the duke.

27.
He bore virtue and a warrior's heart
far above other men;
he always carried the best conduct then,
so many men took to their heels before him.

28.
The duke set out, named and attended,
to ride north to Rome's city —
he will certainly, before the feast runs out,
find himself some trouble.

29.
Knights rode into Rome's city,
adorned with their weapons;
there among towers and squares
trumpets and pipes rang out.

30.
Players gathered from all the city
to honor the prince's procession;
such music rang in the walls
that it gladdens all the king's company.

31.
The streets were draped in costly cloth
for the emperor's great passage —
no creature born on earth
had seen such a royal entry.

32.
Men sent their fine horses running freely to the church;
nowhere could the valor of the men
be judged by the bearing of their heads.

33.
The knights made their Christian vows,
the king stepped from his horse;
a splendid choir of priests came forth,
the pope himself to officiate.

34.
The knights entered the emperor's hall;
the emperor gave them seats;
the city seemed to tremble all over,
the hounds sounding in every street.

35.
The emperor sat in honored center
with the brilliant ring-woman beside him;
Élíseus on the other side,
the prince's heir next after.

36.
The duke sat by the ring-Na —
the one we named before;
four earls further out from him —
the feast could not be found wanting.

37.
Thirteen men of renown shall sit
above the prince's table;
then he offers them splendid words,
pressing none of them to falter.

38.
A long table was set running
down on the hall floor;
there the boldest knights of Sálus shall sit,
free at last from sorrow.

39.
The duke's household sat facing them,
he had many a knight;
faithfully they had trusted in their strength,
and now they drank deeply.

40.
Among them came mockery and jesting,
the warriors striving as equals;
quarrels arose, however small —
the wise men grew short of patience.

41.
The duke's men pressed forward,
pressing him in all things;
the king's son thought it a strange shame,
with all his retinue and young men watching.

42.
When the gentle prince's son heard this quarreling,
I know the lord's hall grew heated,
and the anger rose in the lord's hall
until he wanted to come to blows.

43.
Fury leaped into the cleft of the mountain,
driven by great rage —
so the mighty anger blazed at the prince
that he could hardly drink.

44.
The duke met him at once with wrathful words:
"Do you sit still and not see
how our young men quarrel?

45.
I thought least of all that you would stand
on equal footing with me —
such a thing could add great trouble
to the reckoning of many.

46.
I shall boldly drive back this pride and arrogance —
I have no wish to know
or hear any longer this worthless bluster.

47.
Let us play chess, if you trust yourself,
both tomorrow morning early —
then this dark quarrel shall soon
be made bright and settled."

48.
The duke answered him with skill:
"Hear me, noble king's son —
you may get your way without force
and without cowardice.

49.
I would sooner, before honor fail me,
be driven from the field by arrows,
than bear the shame and dishonor
of yielding to you in this contest."

50.
The men clasped their hands together
as counselors advised —
the whole feast stood with dignity
in joy and peace.

51.
The warriors drank from the splendid horns;
the day drew toward its end —
here the old Viðrir's cup must wait
until the morning comes.

Ríma II

Mansöngr

1.
There where Venus once held sway
in her warm dwellings,
it was as though the fire of life
played across my days.

2.
Now I am freed from that flame —
I cannot raise a certain verse,
for in the ash of love's burning
no spark of longing finds its place.

3.
Glad shall I be, though the golden ring's tree
makes nothing of me,
while I speak these bright words
from the journey made clear.

4.
When dawn's lightning lit the bright wall
and led its rays gleaming,
men stood up from their beds
alert with valiant hearts.

5.
Into the spacious halls' door
men prepared to go —
nowhere in the world before
had such courtly men been gathered.

6.
The prince set two chairs
draped in gold standing ready;
there shall the men sit down
to turn the chess between them.

7.
The finest chess set was brought forward,
straight to where the emperor owned it —
one half white with handsomely carved pieces,
as handsomely wrought as could be.

8.
The other was made with sea-ember brightness,
wrought with master craft;
the board was then set ready for the games,
prepared with fitting ceremony.

9.
Strongly they stepped up to each side,
great joy gathering —
neither went thinking of play or ease,
and so they continued long at chess.

10.
The emperor looks on — Timoteus is there;
the game went to its calculations;
on the other side Élíseus
will make the best move for his heir.

11.
They played together long through the day,
each one enjoying his skill;
the artful play of the onlookers' sight
was praised by every man present.

12.
Nothing was hidden in the stratagems played,
it was clear so widely —
so skillful was the hand at the game
that neither needed to wait.

13.
No one could see to the end
which of them would win —
so equally matched the skill displayed,
equal in this meeting.

14.
Villifer moved to press his attack,
the greater man among warriors:
"Has the king's son run out of cleverness?
Or can you not play any further?

15.
Early you gave your sharp tongue
in insult to my lord —
it seems to me well placed at his table,
the chess is nowhere the worse for it.

16.
You may be most in words,
but less in proof —
that can come about if wisdom fails —
will you try to press further?"

17.
The knight, as his anger swelled,
gave the lord's son his answer —
bluster and shouting rang in his bones,
and he cursed before the clash.

18.
The lord's son grew inflamed with rage,
shaking all with fury —
it was as though a burning fire
played within his chest.

19.
The chess game came to where the king's son yielded,
felt the heaviness in his heart —
the duke then said, that greatly worthy man,
that he should receive the chess purse.

20.
The prince's son, burning with anger,
reached out with his strength —
struck him then squarely on the lord's tooth,
both with purse and chessmen together.

21.
The duke's warm blood ran
hard across the board and clothing;
both armies stood in their armor,
ready with fury and rage.

22.
So composed was he that a bitter word
did not leave his mouth —
he set the board down with dignity
and answered the sword-grove:

23.
"King's son, you have shown
the warrior's temper in this —
but this shall not stop our contest
for a quarrel of words.

24.
Can you not see the emperor bid
the champions come here in peace,
that he spares neither strength nor wealth
to honor us both?

25.
You chose with weapons' clash
to spoil the feast and break its order —
this folly shall be new and old together,
your journey has earned its mark.

26.
Scuffling like a vagrant or a fool
hard with fists and hands —
that is no fit thing before the king's seat,
a warrior in our lands.

27.
For it has come, that the lord makes demands on you —
my heart does not fill with shame —
ride in the dust and test yourself with me,
the bright shield and bright helm.

28.
Let no man of ours owe the other
anything after this" —
the king's son answered calm and cheerful,
said he would gladly hold to that.

29.
The duke praised now, all who could,
the man with all his words' power —
no man of the world was known
to beat him at chess.

30.
The lord's son made a great reproach
fall upon his heir —
no one shall there be who dare face arms
more than either of these two warriors.

31.
"That has poorly served your long wisdom,
truly, in the king's hall —
you forgot judgment and brought shame
upon a man of honored standing.

32.
Give thanks now with proper dignity
to him with all your power" —
Sálus accepts his lord's words
and answers in this fashion:

33.
"I am ready when the sun's beams
give light to the assembly,
but before your court one of the two of us
must die."

34.
The two bound their pledge with trust
to ride in the tournament —
the entertainment grew while they who had quarreled
should clash on the morrow.

35.
The feast ran on and grew still larger;
the wine gladdened the warriors —
the men gladly made an end of trouble
and drank long into the night.

36.
Every champion was cheerful and glad;
the emperor, I know, was behind it —
as if no man there owed
another any debt.

37.
Nowhere, I know, did a great host
run short of generosity;
so shall the warriors find the crossing
of Dur's bridge heavy tomorrow.

Ríma III

Mansöngr

1.
The earth lights up its bright disk,
the hills and towers shine —
the warriors who shrank from no trick
prepare to make their ride.

2.
When the king's son has dressed himself
he calls to his men:
"Arm yourselves, every worthy one here —
let none stay behind."

3.
He clothed himself in his blue coat of mail,
fitted with these words —
Aeneas had carried such in his day,
out in Troy of old.

4.
He reached quickly for the bright helm,
bound the shield upon his arm,
a strong spear in the shield-song's haven
with red strap-binding gleaming.

5.
Sálus rode from the king's hall
swiftly on a good horse;
there followed him onto the fair field
the greatest host of men.

6.
The horse rested while the banner blew,
the prince had to wait —
the wind fanned the sea-ember's coals,
sunbeams scattered wide.

7.
The duke gripped his sharp sword,
hard shield and banner both;
the coat of mail took the finest price —
the strong helm did not fail.

8.
A great saddle and fine stirrup,
strong bit and girths —
he fastened them who was skilled in wisdom,
the spurs shining with gold.

9.
No one was willing to call his strength less
than Sálus's own —
and as for bearing, temper, and measure,
skill and all dignity.

10.
Now he rides forward to the appointed place
on his good horse at speed;
they charged at each other with courage —
each riding to meet the other.

11.
Two strong lances shattered
in the middle between them;
neither man went from his saddle —
the third shafts were splinted.

12.
The emperor entered the tournament ring,
and the noble gentle people;
the host of men throughout the land
watched the worthy joust.

13.
They rode at each other as hard as they could,
the strength was great in their hands —
each forced the other's horse;
they drove the spears into the shields.

14.
Neither spared his strength,
powerful spears to hurl —
the earth shook like another sea
where all the horses ran.

15.
Lances met the strong shield-wood,
neither gave way or yielded —
two warriors in the weapon-strife
made neither flinch.

16.
The whole joust was broken apart;
neither warrior broke —
the people called it a wonder;
then the gate was thrown open.

17.
Both warriors were unhorsed together
and sprung back from their mounts;
then the men of honor rushed forward
in the greatest display of courage.

18.
Both warriors let their swords
drive hard upon shields;
here the prince's journey may be seen —
hard assault and long.

19.
Men used all they could
of the hard sword's edges —
above there was always the gleam to see
of the boughs of either's tree.

20.
Though men might think hand or foot
were cutting with sharp edges,
the blow met the sword in return —
neither had need to wait.

21.
Shields were cut quickly from them,
the helm and byrnie cleft;
each let ring-home's hawks
beat their sound of blood.

22.
Neither man cared about his life —
they struck each other always;
the helm cracked and the shield broke,
the byrnies' rings were sliced.

23.
Blood sprayed from bodies;
swords cut through flesh —
brave men in Hildr's shower
awaited deadly wounds.

24.
Scarcely might this shower of spears
be expected to last long —
blows could reach down to bone and body,
the hearts endured exhaustion.

25.
Both were pale as the battle raged;
fists they knew, both —
each found the other well his equal,
neither wished to die.

26.
Both of them bent their courage
and showed their strength —
they knew their wound-weariness,
felt the hardship all too well.

27.
Both men were so harshly struck
that they lay on the field —
they thought well that it was good
to accept some mercy then.

28.
Men hurried to both at once,
carried them home on their shields;
the flood of wounds ran from the warriors
as a costly payment of rage.

29.
They rested each in their separate house,
tended by brave men;
treatment and healing were given them,
and little was settled by it.

30.
Each warrior, when he recovered health,
swore death to the other —
and there things drifted toward peace,
so necessity was pressed.

31.
The king asked that the emperor's authority
should make peace between the champions —
it would otherwise be men's payment
within a few nights.

32.
Villifer shall now depart for home,
receive honor from the emperor;
now shall be told of those warriors
who lay still in their wounds.

33.
The wise lord came forward now,
daily seeking an honorable settlement,
discussing often the state of men,
what might be made of it.

34.
"If you two settle a true peace,
honor lies certain in hand" —
the warriors bristled at each other
at the counsel the lord gave.

35.
The sword-breakers answered quickly:
"If you desire to honor the warriors,
and you ask this settlement of us —
let the two of us judge it alone."

36.
Now the lord sets a worthy judgment,
the granter of Dofri's terms —
a fair settlement and flourishing peace;
most became cheerful.

37.
Time passes and gentle healing
brought the prince to rest —
the king had both champions summoned
at a good meeting.

38.
The emperor declared a true settlement,
the honor not to be diminished anywhere:
"Let neither man's wound be paid with rings —
let both warriors be called equal.

39.
It was the one who first stirred folly
that brought the quarrel to this —
you shall both hold to every point
of what I now declare.

40.
Brotherhood made with gentleness and judgment —
both of you shall swear it;
then honor and power shall for you both
never know any breaking.

41.
The duke shall now give his sister
to the lord's heir in betrothal;
what I have said is then made cleanly plain —
this matter shall go forward."

42.
There was great noise in the lord's hall;
the rich men gave thanks —
the lord's words are all honorable,
and Sálus gained a great beauty.

43.
Each clasped the other's hands
about each other's necks with gladness;
not a spark of the burning fury
lay any longer between the two warriors.

44.
The warriors should wait now six months
for their feast together —
they will learn then, if troubles grow,
what the times will bring.

45.
The lord's son rode home
to his kingdom then with pride;
his affairs were made well
and he gladdened all his people.

46.
Villifer, with a trusted authority
and men of great standing, well pleased —
joyful were the renowned warriors
of such a kind for the prince now.

47.
The duke then spoke with his sister,
that noble kinswoman of his:
"Will you, golden ring's Gná,
do anything for my asking?

48.
I have given you, young woman,
to an exceptionally fair man —
he bears gifts far above me;
look, noble swan, at that.

49.
He bears strength and all power
beyond all other warriors,
and in counsel, judgment, and wisdom —
he needs no one to prompt him."

50.
The thorn-fire's gleaming branch of rings
spoke before her brother:
"Let your counsel with all reason
govern my choice in this.

51.
If he had first insulted you
and then sought the settlement for it,
he should never have owned me,
if I could have ruled my own fate.

52.
But the emperor's judgment I think sound —
it serves nothing now to censure it;
I shall not make his words empty,
and your friendship shall hold firm."

53.
I shall carry the brewed wine no longer
for the warriors to taste first —
here now the bridge of Dur's warming friend
lies heavy in my thought.

Ríma IV

Mansöngr

1.
Among men shall from the word-hall
morning's verse leap up,
Austri's boat with no delay —
our heart is set on buying.

2.
A learning-ship with a fine prow
I found near Suðri's house;
I bought that slender prize,
cheerful this time round.

3.
Beautiful completion has Vestri built
fast beside the mast's center;
morning's joy with honor and worth
is under the floor-planks below.

4.
Suttung's honored sweet seat,
mead in the cramped space —
no vessel on the foremost path
flows through the smallest harbor.

5.
Fortune was fair beside the plank-bench,
there with gentle company;
love was anchored there —
but morning sat against the string.

6.
Ready is the one I tell from
the planks of the fine ship;
a quiet joy and free delight
sat aft by the rudder.

7.
I have kept that vessel in mind's calm,
laughing at my own thought —
Suðri's ship beside the silk island
I set first on the course.

8.
Words rise in adventure
up with power —
the string of speech and ring of victory
sounds, while the people fall silent.

9.
Here shall the noble men again
hear the shield-Gautr's tale,
the journey that shall be told
shot with hard steel.

10.
No shield may guard a man's life
against the arrow's shaft —
I would have women and noble people
respect the friend's court.

11.
One year as it was always done
the fine feast was held in Bar;
the duke bade with honor and wealth
men wide to come to him.

12.
He sends word now throughout the world
to honor the lady;
at the duke's hall it was quiet
while time flowed by.

13.
One certain day, as was often done,
men sat at their drinking;
the hall door as never before
crashed open with a crash.

14.
Twelve armed men onto the hall floor
came pushing in —
they had made a long and sharp journey
to reach this place.

15.
They were dressed in branches and in blue kirtles,
these warriors bore them —
those people had been silent nearby,
the men who were inside.

16.
They gave greeting to the honored man,
these knights to the duke —
report then, as I shall tell,
after threats grown wearied.

17.
"Two dukes have sent us to you here,
the greatest men among the world's ends —
Mattheus holds sway, commands honor,
power and all manner of splendor,

18.
strength and renown and wealth enough,
powerful victories over people —
hear this: he would have
your wise sister.

19.
Her worth through the world's settlements
is greatly spoken everywhere —
if you say no to the silk-woman's giving,
you shall be robbed of honor and life both.

20.
Every warship has the brave man
drawn into this company —
there is no hope of escaping
from their running.

21.
A hundred and five ships of his grim host
are anchored to the land here
bound to cause harm
and wound your people."

22.
Mattheus strikes with sword-blow in the metal-dew
many-kinded fierce peoples;
he strikes men down like herds nearby,
his still grimmer brother —

23.
Ábel — no man above can
exceed all merit and valor;
nowhere was found in the world that one
who dared face him.

24.
All Asia and eastern salt
he has won with his sword;
many a host subdued by his strength,
much of the Saracen lands.

25.
Out in the world all other
kings dread them both;
day and night the warriors are pressed,
clothed in Dellingr's garments.

26.
Your verdict before my lord —
I will make it known:
the terror-host follows after,
it shall conquer and diminish you.

27.
The duke looked at the men's company,
thought about the messengers —
then began quickly to trust in his strength,
and he spoke with true words:

28.
"Can I give away what was long promised
to the famous lord's heir?
Another counsel gives men rest —
this cannot be arranged.

29.
Two noble men shall together
labor to buy the lady;
but the brothers, if I have anything to say,
shall have other things to boast of.

30.
My pledge to a noble lady
shall never waver from me —
sooner shall I lay down my life
than give the gracious woman to battle.

31.
Villifer shall make here
the greatest stir for the brothers —
he will carry my message to them
in the flood of that."

32.
A man answered gladly, that worthy man,
to his great lord:
"It is right for me not to deny you,
least of all in such straits."

33.
He gathered twelve men to him,
took his weapons and clothing —
the swift knight bore himself
bold and well-born both.

34.
A single large tent was long and wide,
it looked half a marvel —
the tops gilded with craftsmanship
drew much attention.

35.
He greeted the two heathen dukes,
that knight, both of them —
he carried it so cleverly that all the people
might have been left bewildered.

36.
"Tell me if you intend
to lay waste this land at all —
what I ask is that neither side
shall trick the other here.

37.
Give us a day for the spear-clash,
do it in better time —
let my lord hold his honor
and grow the more for it."

38.
Mattheus then took the matter wisely
and measured out his words:
"Your tongue is clever, it speaks boldly —
but men can barely be turned.

39.
Bold words have come from your lord's table;
his men shall repay it
with hatred and woe —
with vengeance from my warriors.

40.
No moment can the arrow-meeting
be long delayed —
you shall by the time night has run
choose your hard lot.

41.
No mercy, if renown be ruined —
I intend to offer you none;
for this the steel shall go blood-red
first thing tomorrow morning."

42.
The knight turned his gaze, like reindeer fleeing,
and ran home as fast as he could;
brought the duke word of the hardship,
what each thing meant for him.

43.
He sent word in the sun's red
south and north through the settlements;
every warrior was bid by the bold chieftain
to keep his own pledges.

44.
Every man was eager who heard it first
to bow his neck for his lord;
the people would, though the outcome be ill,
live and die with him.

45.
This night the din was so loud
it was heard through town and street;
the weapon-noise rang through the worthy crowd —
the great host wakes.

46.
Then at ancient dawn standing still
up rose all with weapons and clothing —
the brave host reached into Bar
leaping with fury and rage.

47.
Then the two heathen dukes there
these men may see —
Ábel, one might fear right then,
was writing his name in the age's memory.

48.
The battle-lines form and the host is ready,
most of the trumpets sounding —
the host fell under their strength
when hatred made its call.

49.
Men's host in byrnies went
and each one readied his strength —
the duke bore that great valor
and courage from every thane.

50.
Out from the city as the lord commanded
the whole army rode —
there they came with their driven laughter
where the champions intended to fight.

51.
The warriors with the lord had
but little, Riðull could call small,
compared to the heathen host beside them;
they passed flat over all.

52.
Villifer, as is witnessed here,
served the wise lord well —
skulls rang and swords' cliff-ledges,
heads off all the warriors.

53.
The hosts fell quickly and the encounter raged,
each battle-line over the other;
fury rose and the bold host
threaded the red wound-snake.

54.
Wounds swelled at men's falling —
others lay and shot arrows;
cries and shouting mixed with other noise,
all manner of strings screaming.

55.
Every thane drove another man
quickly to fall —
the men's strength stood sharp against all,
every shield's ring failed.

56.
The battle massed, the heart trembled,
hard against the city's people —
but as before, none stood still —
the lord fought with pride.

57.
Two earls with gilded spears
won the greatest glory —
they drove down into the mud
warriors and horses.

58.
Antíses on the forward edge of the host
rode out with great power —
helms and warriors from his hand
every warrior went to cut.

59.
He rode forward in the sword-noise
hard with all his strength —
he got shame who received the blow —
no shield came to any use.

60.
The knight shot, that bold champion,
a cast at the earl's spear —
it was soft and burst in the trial;
the byrnie met it.

61.
Géireon was made to stand
pierced through Lafranz —
the warrior wounded, put on the shaft,
the lord needed both hands.

62.
The knight that the lord found —
arm and side struck off —
so he parted him from that fair man
quickly with quiet fury.

63.
He felled that brave man
forward from his horse;
no one is there who knows how to recount
all his glory.

64.
Villifer let the great host
lie scattered across the ground —
the glory was plain, what he achieved here
in company with the powerful lord.

65.
He tested the boldest horse
and rode to meet the earl —
the knight fought, the lord suffered worst —
he yielded with no threat.

66.
The shaft broke in the sharp test —
edge of the sword blazed through —
the Gautr's shield came in time to serve
quickly for both hands.

67.
Neither brave man moved
from his saddle —
they fought on after the lances broke
with the bright spears of Yggr.

68.
The wound-hawk, and the blood blazed out
quickly in mind's mountain —
one way it ended, the head flew
hard away from the earl.

69.
Earl Mannasés saw a great fall —
powerful, came to look —
hatred swelled in the mountain of thought,
his sword's edge would bite.

70.
None then, as I shall tell,
did he spare, not one warrior —
two men he slew right after
together, and the swift sword.

71.
The hero of the ring-stander
fell forward and cut with his sword —
no man of Odin's wall
shall I expect to stand firm.

72.
They fled with no delay
all before the bright blade;
the battle-line lurched, the swift one was away —
the outcome went as expected.

73.
Níkanór with the nail-Þórr
now will prove his valor —
great blows coming from the hand —
neck and strength exhausted.

74.
The bold horse at greatest speed
he drove forward at the earl —
there was no delay in the weapon-burst,
the noise of strife wide in the mountains.

75.
The shaft-iron struck him, rattled from his back,
the feather blazed on the spear —
the grip of the hand was more than pale —
the helm down against the stone.

76.
This blow was dealt on that day,
standing then the earl pierced through —
he drove the stroke and the art of it,
let his strength be felt by all the thanes.

77.
The shaft stood there, and the host was parted —
the earl shall be buried there;
good fortune is soon done with strength
when no one comes near as happily.

78.
The heathen host is very great —
it takes to swelling fast;
arrows fly and bows bend —
no shield may be raised against it.

79.
The duke saw the men's company
fallen for the most part to the ground;
for he knew in wisdom's course
the path his men had chosen.

80.
The wise one commanded them to fall back,
the warriors home to the city —
the journey was slow from the spear-trouble,
and that gave grief to the men.

81.
Home on the road as the duke rode
he had a thousand men;
for those who waited, the road led
to learn Hel's dwelling.

82.
In through the wall from the sword-noise,
weary champions came —
he was true through the storm of swords;
here this battle ended.

83.
The gate, bright, was locked with its key —
so the day passed from hand to hand;
next came the hardest press
for those who turned the counsel.

84.
The heathen men boasted now
and gloried in their victory —
the wine ran across the men's teeth,
they were deprived of pain.

85.
The wise lord took counsel with his warriors
and had been long in that —
the lord knew that the brothers' vow
would soon be kept with the warriors.

86.
The wicked ring encircled now with the spear-thing;
the host set up their tents;
all in a ring by the cold walls
hovering near the flames.

87.
The women heard that the heathen host
was keeping the duke trapped inside —
the people stood silent with heavy hearts,
deeply grieving their fate.

88.
The duke's people were sorrowful and frightened,
thinking on their dire situation.
The river of horn flowed down thought's path
from Hár's shore of glory.

Ríma V

Note: Stanzas 1–7 appear only in MS A (AM 604h) and are noted by editors as likely later additions.

1.
The old friend of Yggr — that which before was tried —
has come into wisdom's hollow now;
let us tell what the Gautr knew,
the lord sent the warriors from himself away.

2.
The wise lord spoke wisely and well,
all the host can hear:
nowhere does courage come to the heart's stall
among the people's company, though the red streams ring.

3.
"I will send to Sálus's meeting
a man right at this moment —
he will quickly with bitter manner
save us and this silk-ground.

4.
The wall makes a great shelter for us;
we cannot hold the spear-shower —
I shall guard the city and the noble woman
as my own life."

5.
Villifer gave a bold answer:
"I will be ready for this journey —
but I have a fear whether the thorn-land's woman
will be taken that way, and the ring-Vör.

6.
Your strength is nowhere near —
I think rightly, if we must part:
close trouble will be brought to you;
now it is not shown how justice comes.

7.
Better to flee with the others —
it is shown to men that necessity commands;
if you are felled with weapons,
the worthy people and the city are forfeit."

8.
"Though I choose between two chances,"
the champion said with resolve,
"I would rather fall here beside my lord
dead than flee from him."

9.
All praised the knight's counsel,
bold words with judgment and deed;
they have set nothing to a shameful time —
the lord chooses to defend the realm.

10.
The duke armed in the sword-noise;
the host was loyal and true —
horses lowered under the high wall,
the men came out from the city.

11.
Villifer and the swift horse —
he was so quickly in the western lands;
the champion is in most things greatest —
the city's people fall by the month.

12.
The other company rode to Rome,
the knights' journey was swift and quick —
the horses went eagerly on their way;
the duke now waited with his trouble.

13.
Now nothing of the messengers —
the story must turn again;
when the two lords wake,
the thanes clothed themselves all at once.

14.
Mattheus went with great display,
firmly he thought on the walls —
the timber was old and he saw it —
the gate was locked as the duke had ordered.

15.
Then I know that wealthy Njörðr
measured most about the city's court —
both they killed warriors and cattle,
he saw the wall broken to the ground.

16.
The powerful men had no lack of counsel;
the warriors intended to break the city —
they set up weapons and shot for the defense —
catapults did them most use.

17.
Three days this dragged on —
for the thanes all turned to fate;
on the fourth day when little was left of daylight
the host readied for the assault.

18.
It was bad at the rise of weapon-noise —
all the people in the town woke up;
arrows flew so thick one saw no sky —
the grim new battle was begun.

19.
The duke armed himself in sword's song —
does not halt at long assault —
he thought least of the press of thanes —
the thunder-shower was very strong.

20.
The brothers marched on the city with their host —
spears and swords flew there both —
the shots were then with skill made hard —
Hel's road the torn company walked.

21.
Attack and defense may be seen as hard —
the company was then not scorned;
warriors are few at the city's guard —
great breaches burst in the wall.

22.
No harsher shower was found than this —
the shield became no trusted thing —
it was heavy to defend the woman —
the worthy men stood equally high now.

23.
The lord urged the bold company on:
"Let us try now the sharp swords —
let us end so that glory's value
the people's company shall earn in hard battle.

24.
The city's men got blow and hardship —
they fell down dead upon the field;
the city stood there stripped bare after —
not one peace or settlement was offered.

25.
The duke met that fate of blessing;
the bold deed failed him first —
the warriors took the lord then,
drove the noble man into chains.

26.
He was set in the dungeon deep,
the warrior stripped of all his clothing —
widely the deceit and treachery played out —
authority and glory fell from the lord.

27.
Then the chieftain was placed still,
honor-eager, who had been famous before;
warriors guarded all the doors —
it will not be quiet when Sálus hears.

28.
A hard lock and strong guard —
the lord ordered that, and the place was grim;
hard starvation with hatred's doing —
he was put so deep into the earth.

29.
The warriors filled the halls now —
they took the fair noble lady;
greater sorrow than that is not found —
she kept her faith alone.

30.
Wedding costs and city rule,
the brothers take, and the serpent's fall,
the chieftain's governance and realm's authority,
and they drove on the people with such grim payment.

31.
Cleanse streets and every city,
drive away weariness and all sorrow,
compose law and set the market —
then they made many a counsel.

32.
They mended walls and all the breached defenses —
the city then was tall as mountains —
neither men nor trolls could
break the wall's arrow-trap.

33.
After all this was done,
they intended with the swift host
to sail ships south over salt —
Sálus shall find them cold thoughts.

34.
They appointed now after the clear man
one to keep the realm for him —
a bolder warrior was never found —
Valerianus was that one's name.

35.
The count was eager in strife,
full of fury at every time —
will spend gold will little and late,
ready to be in the spear-shower.

36.
The clever brothers go home,
they give their men a flood of steam —
the lady herself is on the journey with them,
she fed sorrow from two causes.

37.
The warriors set up a feast then
that could scarcely be matched —
Mattheus wanted the ring-Gná
to buy a bride-price and then take her.

38.
Let us now turn to Villifer —
the warriors give him the serpent-cliff;
he came forward where the king's son was,
and greeted him as a mighty tree.

39.
Sálus asked how the ring-Na
sat adorned with honor, and how the duke might be —
the knight was then forced to be silent;
so glad he could not look that way and turned aside.

40.
The lord took then the prince's letter,
read it quickly and the heart grew sharp —
the face was none the better for it —
the letter's contents brought him near to weeping.

41.
The lord answered very quickly:
"It helps nothing to grieve in silence —
men shall before the seventh night
show both strength and will.

42.
Whoever causes delay in the journey
fights against arrows and fares ill —
he shall get the worst horse of all
and the son of Herian, worst of all living.

43.
No man dared speak against
the lord's son in the sword-rain —
it pressed to him there, thrall as thane,
they will have to prove their strength.

44.
Thirty thousand readied themselves for this voyage
in thousands with sword-thunder;
this journey was famous and swift —
they could not be spurred any faster on their horses.

45.
Sálus now rode south into the lands
with Suðri's fire and shining shield;
he shall humble the heathen people —
new troubles rise from new trouble's wand.

46.
It must be told of those warriors
who went before to the emperor's home;
he took them warmly with both hands,
he spared neither wealth nor treasure.

47.
The duke's letter was very clever —
the lord read it, scarcely all of it,
before he prepared the cold battle —
the prince's trust is nowhere weakened.

48.
The women wept and the women mourned —
the emperor saw that with displeasure;
a worthy lord he had dubbed —
Dionísius was the captain's name.

49.
Twenty thousands in two with him —
the prince readied himself in the arrows' weather;
that shall Sálus's father confirm —
valor gladdened by such warriors.

50.
All came at one time
out to Bar — and it was late —
the men pitched their tents in peace,
blazing with all of the serpent's flames.

51.
They met, and the king's heir too —
that may be called a glad meeting;
the warriors drank, then sleep was granted.
Viðrir's ship broke apart in two.

Ríma VI

Mansöngr

1.
My friend, in the sixth round
so shall one comfort one's companion —
the wise lord, take what I win,
quickly set the ear against the cheek.

2.
Out in Bar the arrow-play
was no small thing through three hours —
the blue swords with wound and woe
dealt death-wounds to many.

3.
Sálus ordered, when the sun reddened,
his household into sword's cry:
"Limp submission is worse than death —
let us take the city and seek out the wealth."

4.
The bright byrnie shone on the lord's shoulder,
set with gold and many a stone —
the difficulty was that the helping branch
seemed to those others to come too late.

5.
The swift company came forward on the field,
adorned and armed in full —
the shield's gold before giant and troll
took trial hard in cliff and mountain.

6.
Mattheus got out, with power and glory,
a month earlier to sail away —
the count got in the finer trouble,
laid his fury's strength in his lap.

7.
He let then the gate that had been locked
be thrown open, and so it was done —
whether one or the other has lacked nothing —
open and noise as now it was wrought.

8.
The lord let the trumpets blow, worthy man —
the city's lord rose to his feet;
the roots of hatred and the payment of grief
for the men, and now the women wept.

9.
Sálus rode, honor waiting,
swift on his sweating horse ahead —
the last was now made even, for the warriors' race —
the lord's sword bit through the byrnies.

10.
The good blade, struck with fury,
stood through the company of champions —
blood was red on the shield's hem,
the lord drove forward with grim fury.

11.
A long time there was laid on ground
a host of men, and wounds cried out —
wounds meeting in many a manner,
the harm fell from the lord's heir.

12.
How weapons work, how you warriors win yourselves —
Valerianus shall earn himself —
I have told it to the wound's resting place —
all bit well, hear now.

13.
We have heard how the sword struck
every man to death who came near him —
two hands, that none found faster
now than you for battle.

14.
Seventy won, he set with his sword —
Sálus drove life's ban to the thanes —
no one found what he feared
with an exceptional man in such danger.

15.
All were terrified and settlement was destroyed —
men's company shall now weep —
a warrior met from a noble family —
Dionísius was threatened by him.

16.
Gladíel gripped the best cast of the spear —
he took it quickly and hurled it hard —
the shield was cleft, but nowhere burst —
he got the blow, for the shaft split.

17.
Shield is pierced, shot and man as well —
the shaft stood, and the man is swift —
the sword-greedy one is wound-marked —
many a warrior stood still as before.

18.
Great wonder that the grove of men
he clove down the shield in two —
harder the meeting, the sword's thunder —
each one began to redden Bölverkr's ember.

19.
The spear-seiðr was made ready quickly —
Valerianus grew angry —
the army wide and the ring-branch —
all the count's honor turns away.

20.
The blow struck at the ring-branch —
helm and byrnie cut in two —
thought's road and the heart endured
hard blow through this stretch.

21.
The belly sliced and the guts scattered —
the shame went deeper further yet —
let peace be with him who sat down —
the saddle then took the blow.

22.
Bold host and the battle broke off —
very hard after we two fought —
the tip cut where the lord goes forward —
now all are ready to flee.

23.
Of Sálus shall I tell now —
all this comes to be for men's eyes —
three men he felled with their lives —
he killed them dead and made them fit for water.

24.
Men's host he fought with —
it was aimed straight like lamb or kid —
not one quarter can men's host find
any other path than Hel's.

25.
The count's fall with the men's cry —
nothing his heart makes into a stall —
hatred swelled in the gem-stone's hall —
rushed forward through all this noise.

26.
The champion turned with brave strength —
he leaped at all that stood before him —
the helm is cut and the blow bit —
nowhere did the old work hold.

27.
A bold man who could defend himself —
Valerianus recognized him —
the horse ran until the lord was found —
the heart burned near with fury from the fight.

28.
He rushed away as fast as he could —
the lord's company then was known —
the blue edge was always at sight,
the lightning flashed as though the sword-horns burned.

29.
He bent his spear and rode off quickly —
it broke in two, and stone was flung —
the vengeance swift from the head-destroyer —
the lord's son paid the ugly price.

30.
The king's son hewed with champion's power —
the edge was felt hardly dull at all —
nowhere rested the heart —
he split the lot of them in two.

31.
The sword red, the wound-foam rising —
the lord woke to honor and glory —
reluctant to show mercy, barely less than stripped —
Valerianus was struck dead.

32.
The city's gate gave the warriors quarter —
the heathen host was driven back in —
it came to pass through their peace
that they got a fitting death-wait.

33.
The noble lord turned into the tent —
the clash ended and weapon-noise —
bold Týr gave the feast —
the victory was new to most then.

34.
The worthy warrior then drank —
the chieftain's fame is stainless now —
the hall-bench pleased those men who knew it —
no shadow nor blemish appeared.

35.
Adorned with victory, Sálus dressed,
early on that morning clothed —
then terrified, routed and exhausted
was the heathen host, knowing now their lesson.

36.
Into the city as the lord commanded,
the strong paths the host trod —
"Let us press now," the lord said,
"the duke's pain — let us pay for that."

37.
The chief who was cast away naked,
that moon-lit man who lay in bonds —
the lord's son bade him be flayed alive;
the guards kept their post.

38.
A fire of burning before life and soul
he placed as their punishment's justification —
such a verdict as this was little comfort —
to the thanes it might have steeled their steel.

39.
He cut the chains and freedom came —
the glorious man, as one waking from a dream —
the edge went soft but the iron bit through —
all in two pieces.

40.
Now is the one who before was beautiful —
the spear-Týr whom verse describes —
his fortunes improve, and the blow grows clear —
the lord's age of honor came now.

41.
All in the hall were glad together,
the company of champions with Rhine-troll —
the beer fell full on the contest's field —
the warrior lamented the ring-branch.

42.
The feast stands with the worthy hands —
the victory's host stands gloriously.
Honor is ended and fate turns —
the arm-ring's glow sent from the arm.

Ríma VII

Mansöngr

1.
I rowed the word-bough early for a time,
very hard at the mouth of glory,
because before Yggr's wave-power
the word's praise shall sink swiftly.

2.
Still shall I row at the verse's high pitch,
working forward on Suðri's side —
though now the dwarves' drink runs here
around the glory's cup.

3.
The wine gladdened the men's company;
waking rose in thought's field;
so the heart was on gold's gateway —
neither slept they day nor night.

4.
The lord now wants a meeting to be held,
the worthy lords sat close —
he calls for silence and speaks now
of the hard time when he lost his lady.

5.
"We shall now get the young woman back —
if life and strength last to it —
spare neither here nor land for this —
pure gold or lie dead.

6.
Warriors shall now give limb and life
to seeking out the woman —
nearly east of the strait of Njörfasund —
a little while is not enough.

7.
The duke — go find your hall, be bold —
raise the host in the Fenidi east;
and Villifer shall with bold spirit
pay the emperor a visit again.

8.
Let us draw the greatest host together —
great hope we shall win;
and all we find of fit vessels,
warriors, set them at once on the sea.

9.
Then we shall sail south over salt,
seek them at once with all the host —
with point and edge lay waste the lands —
my reasoning is not bad."

10.
When the lord's speech was done,
the men found it a hard choice;
the duke thanked him well for the words —
the one who is silent is often many who fall.

11.
He did not speak hard in words:
"Your counsel is strangely bold —
I have come long with people's going —
we caught nothing easy in this hand.

12.
I fear this: that the thorn's kinswoman
may be given in marriage before we get there,
before that fierce host arrives,
the lord's son from the Fenidi.

13.
Mattheus does more than one might think —
he would make my sister his wedded wife;
that is the greatest heart's grief —
to come into a heathen man's company.

14.
Let us delay no time in fitting ships
and draw away with the greatest haste;
provide enough goods and wine —
if you want my company.

15.
Adorned with honor shall the lord's company go —
twenty men shall follow us two;
I intend then out into the lands —
my reasoning is not bad.

16.
Let us not get the lady by force —
let us follow wisdom and the craft of tricks;
then the adventure shall be told
— something that lives in the breast."

17.
The lord's son answered with little fear:
"I do not see what this will gain —
your foresight fully suffices —
I would find the gold-tree."

18.
The meeting closed with firm decisions —
the lord ordered city and land;
Villifer shall guard it now,
the worthy men meanwhile to seek the lady.

19.
They put to sea with reddened races,
both weapons and serpent's path;
they intended then out over the sea,
very quickly when the wind gave.

20.
Wind's welcome lasted to the end —
Akrsborg lay by the sea's skirt;
they knew the land and the prow-iron dove —
the keel was not slow to the shallows.

21.
Bow-bear the shield-canopy, the lord
was advised enough —
thanes fastened the thwart-stag to the plank;
that evening the wedding was being made.

22.
Mattheus decked out power and glory —
the powerful host enjoyed the feast;
wealth and fame as all fine arts,
the generosity was excellently held.

23.
Kings and earls were there to see,
many worthy champions beside,
dukes and counts — now there was plenty;
they gladdened themselves with all the glory.

24.
The banquet was set with honor,
no one thought of any trick —
a hundred could be nowhere counted
of all the men's host there gathered.

25.
All was given with generous cheer —
always the bride sat sorrowful and silent;
never did she look up or see —
always her eyelash dripped with tears.

26.
Two champions came into the hall —
those warriors were not known there;
they had the disguise of players,
both well-dressed and walking slowly.

27.
They went to greet the duke at once —
bold men who spoke little;
the brothers welcomed them warmly,
both asking for name and lineage.

28.
Antoníus, one for both,
answered at once and named himself so:
"We two have served various
prosperous kings in the south of the world.

29.
Princíánus can prove his skill
at the sound of pipes," he said,
"in all kinds, with word's power —
he serves in one way with wisdom.

30.
This fame that goes of you
flies through the world out and south —
the measure of men with power and skill —
that may be called a generous holding.

31.
Now shall I soon offer entertainment
to the clear people and noble host —
I care little for your women,
young-born or everyday folk.

32.
We two shall first leave together —
the bridegroom had to choose for himself —
but let there be with the host of men
other players better than us.

33.
Let my company serve every man —
broad-shouldered and not narrow —
they shall guard their gathering;
the thanes now engage all around."

34.
Duke Ábel greeted them then,
honored, both those two bosom-men:
"May the gods give you noble peace —
all the host shall serve you gladly.

35.
Certainly the honor's power shall grow,
your wisdom and all manner of skill —
no player is found your equal —
may your name be blessed."

36.
The duke put the bold men
to proving every kind of question —
they had every path opened for them;
the warriors had trusted them completely.

37.
But there was one thing that troubled the men,
which Ábel thought the greatest lack —
if anyone asked from the north,
nearly neither one knew that.

38.
The evening passed and the courtly maiden
had no part in any joy —
until the dear guests had come
and chosen to entertain both together.

39.
In that way the manner of their playing
touched the gentle maiden who had been pale —
as though then the worthy sunbeam of joy
held the roots of her heart.

40.
All tongues grew silent then —
the noble ring-Eir was still —
except for the one the young woman knew —
it is not tested what cleverness achieved.

41.
Dark fell with night — I shall tell the men —
Mattheus wanted to go to bed;
all players then went out —
grief and fear were both done away.

42.
The guests took their song-tools —
the warriors had fine wine —
played so with skill and wisdom —
all praised their kind.

43.
Antoníus went before all,
more noble entertainment found nowhere —
tales with verse and song —
their press became greatly a trouble to many.

44.
Princíánus would prove the form
of the pipe's sound and the harp's stroke —
he let the fiddles run on and on —
the sound rang in the wall wonderfully high.

45.
Mattheus said that in alone shall go
Antoníus, the foremost man:
"No one has, for none can,
do anything as well as he.

46.
You need no courtly knowledge here —
you shall draw the clothing off me;
spare nothing now of what you can —
it is my wish that you serve me."

47.
Princíánus, the fine warrior,
served well, walked with the bride —
so wise was he among all kinds of folk
that men honored the warrior but the woman was silent.

48.
The wise bride stepped into the bed;
her servant stood up on his knee —
she lay down and the clever host
went and sought itself out of the house.

49.
The duke lay then in the bed;
the bride looked up away from him —
the young man bid him to go for wine —
he thought only good things of it.

50.
Antoníus took a single cup —
all was prepared with Rhine-fire —
certainly the drink was not dull —
it served the one for whom the charm was made.

51.
When the wine flowed over his lips,
they pulled back from the bed away —
the duke fell asleep at once in the spot
and managed nothing further then.

52.
Mattheus thought himself tricked with tricks —
the honor shall be given in a misleading way —
they had no shortage of cunning —
he will not wake this night.

53.
The bride knew her brother —
she made herself glad, ring-linden —
and her fair betrothed man,
embracing him now with honor.

54.
The bridegroom lay now long dead,
drunk with drink and empty of thought —
the men have achieved their trick,
the lord's bright daughter was gladdened.

55.
They kneaded a woman-shape of clay —
the two champions had brewed this;
they laid it in the bed beside the man,
and then he had it girdled.

56.
The king's son spoke to his companion:
"Gladly I tell you my will —
let us pay him with the greatest grief
for the shaming he got in Bar.

57.
That was a terrible hall-grimness,
no less than five other shames —
let us now deal that one fresh grief
nearest where Ábel can be revenged."

58.
The duke said his no plainly here:
"Think on this — I will not —
that one might call me so swift to shame;
let us part now with all honor.

59.
I will never betray a sleeping man —
vengeance comes as it may come —
I would rather lie dead,
give up both life and land."

60.
"You decide it," said the lord's heir —
the warriors parted from the house;
they went out with grim faces,
very quickly and found the ship.

61.
The lord carried his fair darling in his arms
and lessened her pain —
the woman had been won with glory,
and they were out by midnight.

62.
They furled the sail and caught the wind —
the warriors were given now as before —
they chose a harbor and came home;
the cheerful host welcomed them.

63.
Let us remember what Mattheus won —
when morning came and he woke,
he reached out for the bride — not gently —
the lord's strength is quite enough.

64.
It is told that gold's gateway
it looked at the wall all night,
turned not at all on anything —
not interested in any sweetness for her.

65.
His bride appeared to him as stiff as wood,
wrapped in silk down below her knees —
cramped in her joints and cold to the body —
strange trouble, but nowhere soft.

66.
The bride was so stiff and heavy —
the felt made the young bride —
he reached to her with both hands;
barely stirred the ring-Bil.

67.
He flung her hard from the bed —
here much shall be played with tricks —
he cursed her, and the bride there
broke apart in small pieces.

68.
He called out to the guests —
the champion's voice ran to the roof —
he opened the door but all was still —
I know he dressed very quickly.

69.
When they two met in the warm now
each swore on his own faith:
"Unexampled is this drink —
much shall we two care nothing for.

70.
All families must now
seek the young woman far and near,
and those clever tricksters
who came to fool us yet again."

71.
Half a month the men's company
went in search for her —
all settlements, lowlands and highlands —
the light was found nowhere, the ring-strand.

72.
They shall be given time for this —
the people shall set on certain judgment,
whether silence or the matter is better —
that great wine I asked for.

Ríma VIII

Mansöngr

1.
Dur's friend am I so drunk on verse,
small words of praise do no good —
unless the bright Leiknar's wind
lays in as before.

2.
Now she makes no wall of joy
hard against the giantess's storm —
Dvalinn's ferry shall carry the friend of Fjölnir
and bring that mead to their feast.

3.
Sálus has now won his lady —
all three sat joyful at home;
then the wedding preparations were made
with more gladness than at the last fjord.

4.
All supplies were laid in fully,
the ring-branch was uniquely gentle —
nearly half the world came to it,
a host of men and the emperor himself.

5.
Vespassíánus came from the west
now arrived at this place —
Élíseus and all the others —
magnificently as the king's son invites.

6.
After this the peoples came together —
then the bell rang through all the city —
the archbishop, wonderfully gracious,
stood outside with the city's people.

7.
The streets were dressed and the strings rang out —
greatly it gladdened all the people —
trumpets and pipes in the towers rang —
the greatest honor was what the emperor received.

8.
For those men who had seen little,
no wisdom could lend them
to see the world turned so bright
as the honor it gave to men.

9.
The world gave to men then
an honor such as none had seen —
another such anywhere in the world —
all this was to their desire.

10.
The emperor was led to the church —
the choir of clerks was in hand and voice —
then he went into the highest hall —
the lord's son and all the company.

11.
The high seat was made with craftsmanship —
the hall shone with bright light —
the emperor sat on it with warmth —
the king nearest out from him.

12.
And on the powerful one's left hand
sits the lord who governed the lands —
lord Sálus, the hall's wise man —
the duke sits nearest to him.

13.
The leaders were the hall filled with —
the goblets the worthy men held gleaming,
the men's joy in such fine wine —
no one remembered former pain.

14.
The queen gave all kinds of wealth
to the people she had called to her —
a noble lady's fine service —
she drank out in that day.

15.
The men drank long into the night —
the artful host was glad in the hall —
then I know the sleep of the people was brought on
by sweet wine and the strings' sound.

16.
When daylight shone on the warriors,
all the deep sorrows fell away —
no one spared of what he could;
all gave strength to the feast then.

17.
The lady's clothing and bright face
far outshone the thanes' sense —
so noble this queen was
that she cast all the day's brightness in shadow.

18.
Villifer was chosen first
to lead the fair lady forward now —
with her the duke her brother
who commanded the greatest honor.

19.
Élíseus led his heir
the lord into the church inside —
the duke then with the same custom
walked on Sálus's other side.

20.
The archbishop, adorned with honor,
was now ready and robed —
in beauty were the couple wedded —
the penny received many a wound there.

21.
In pounds it was then given and ready —
the people's throng led to the hall —
it was then both honored and adorned —
given, counted, and then conveyed.

22.
Sálus shall now sit nearest
on silk-ground gleaming with wealth —
in measure then the honor was delivered —
her brother stood forward.

23.
After this the finest ale came,
delicacies of all kinds —
gifts with sweet dishes —
then all drank together.

24.
Many had the wisdom's asking —
joy spread from every tower —
tales and drinking-play —
greatly was entertainment made there.

25.
None showed another bitterness —
all was done with honor and virtue —
as though they had but one heart —
here it was so given with fervor.

26.
Then the sun next drew into the sea —
Sálus wanted to go to bed —
they shall lie in that loft
which was the finest in the city.

27.
The loft was appointed with gold —
the room was this dignity complete —
the duke served Sálus here —
and Villifer accompanied her.

28.
The loft was kept by a strong lock —
the noble duke took its keys —
five hundred shall hold the guard —
all his care is laid out.

29.
The night passed peaceably away —
the day gave enough of its brightness —
the duke was then wonderfully eager
first to go to the bride's house.

30.
Both slept gentle and glad —
the wedding deed stood well in its place —
all week it never diminished —
but the host was watchful about itself.

31.
When the fine feast ended,
the worthy men then departed —
none of the sword's tree saw the toppling
greater gifts nor greater honor.

32.
The emperor put a verdict upon it —
never before had he looked or seen
such a measure of power or such chosen men —
many held this grand.

33.
The warriors have now received rest,
achieved themselves with skill and deed —
the one who missed the maiden shall find
cause to fit a ship away from the land.

34.
Mattheus thought out many counsels —
they shall not be spoken quickly —
as though he woke from sleep —
the gold-tree and clad in steel.

35.
The brothers acted quickly and boldly —
they fitted men and ships away from land;
they shall spy on the lady's journey,
ask much or test the vows.

36.
The warriors went out over the sea
very quickly when the wind was given —
the faithful wind was fitted for men —
they won both going and coming.

37.
The men told of the count's fall —
grim hatred swelled with the brothers —
the bride was won and wedding done —
two new things had come to their hand.

38.
Angry were the powerful brothers —
warriors thought Ábel was wretched —
he was so furious at the thanes then
they thought best to step away.

39.
Warriors were summoned from those realms
that lay in the south of the world —
all brought to a single haven —
men's names must be counted.

40.
Úríás I name one of them,
terror-champions from the south of the world —
the king of Syria, sharp man,
honor-eager and the greatest warrior.

41.
Neoptulémus, the worthy warrior,
came next into that company —
the king of Serkland was this gentle lord,
keen to fight and immensely worthy.

42.
Démetría, bold and hard —
very little spared from fighting —
he was counted king of Tarsea,
adorned with honor and with valor's authority.

43.
Though we name these three,
many others may be found there —
many a wicked nation and overwhelming host
still came to this battle.

44.
They swore on the duke's life
and his noble wife every hour —
the emperor's peace shall then be taken away
if the warriors break Rome down.

45.
Mattheus with his host's crowd
needed many a sea of storming —
the warriors sailed into a fair harbor.
Viðrir's fall — the ravens' draught.

Ríma IX

Note: Ríma IX is composed in a different meter — three-line stanzas with internal rhyme, in place of the usual four-line form.

Mansöngr

1.
The song of the mad one lies scattered in various corners — Fjölnir's flood, which the hull pushes through —
the sea's flooding unless the gates open.

2.
The giantess's gondola is sharp in Greipar's land —
I cannot come to the oak-tree's counsel,
to the people before hunger's grayness.

3.
Men hurry away beneath the precious slope of the hall —
we do not fear it where the warriors fight,
the spear-shower is not long to wait.

4.
The fitting men went to a council-meeting, both allies —
now warriors have found rest,
achieved themselves with skill and deeds.

5.
Sálus has now got true news from that assembly —
certainly the lords of valor are needed,
it serves nothing to sit at home.

6.
Sálus will hasten to his father's meeting with riding horses —
nowhere did they take rest on the courses,
the horses grew weary on the roads.

7.
The lady herself was on the journey with them, and the crowd —
she shall wait beside the ring-sender,
men's strife until it passes from the hand.

8.
Men let every willing one the war-summons go —
now shall warriors the battle hard
test before long and wonderfully long.

9.
Every chieftain prepared himself as one for the war-journey —
no one needed urging with words,
earls were there enough, and these.

10.
The lady's brother went now east
into the Fenidi's depths —
there he got many worthy men,
and warriors they had enough.

11.
Élíseus came with a powerful host all to Rome —
the emperor gave them honor and renown,
silver and gold and hall's flowers.

12.
Villifer came to the emperor first, with champions earlier —
I know the outer call did not lack,
the quiet peace was then ended.

13.
Lúcías, the count, the skilled man — Láfranz's brother —
these cut down the heathen nations,
those warriors have grown weary.

14.
Vespassíánus was known there, wise in counsels —
Mauricius with the worthy two,
gentle and strong, known for his deeds.

15.
No one was equal to him for battle in all valor —
the king's son trusted this champion,
that single one who shall resolve this.

16.
The host from Liberum's judgment they, the glorious men, raised —
the warriors had folk enough —
little it is that Sálus fears.

17.
The lady was left behind, fair and bright, with the crowd —
they shall guard the noble women,
the warriors while they redden spears.

18.
The lord asked of the drafting of that host which the men held —
every lord who sought support
served himself — none planned to fail.

19.
The French host and the finest company the prince would have —
Italy was no less —
the lord's strength shall find that.

20.
From Trentodolo came a noble host with the lord himself —
men came from all directions —
it shall not be quiet in Rome itself.

21.
From Gascony came warriors on fine horses —
Landres was before this people,
he stood far above all of them.

22.
None in the east of the lands was thought equal to this one —
the heathen men shall know that,
he will fear nothing and not run.

23.
Every house as the warriors could reach, the men filled —
the emperor would call that right and due,
the champions held the gilded horns.

24.
A hundred thousand of the host at the lord's cost —
one way I know of all the plenty —
none was tormented by hunger or thirst.

25.
Half a month the lord gave the whole army its feast —
his generosity with the bold warriors
runs like sea and mountains.

26.
He announced it thus, that it be shown them before —
the heathen host is turned from joy,
they shall be heavy in our harness.

27.
From the east over sea came a terror-host with countless ships —
the people of the land to beat and wound,
the host gave no asking for peace.

28.
Grensport was called a fine harbor where the warriors landed —
the town I know the thanes burned
at once and turned up on the land.

29.
Men let the hall's harm blaze up to the sky —
each one stood there by another's fire,
no shield could be raised.

30.
Rushing with force and noise forward on the path —
one way killing those young and those in their strength,
all then had to bend before them.

31.
I have heard that they burst the children on
the spear-points —
no warriors stirred with the shaft-tips,
all manner of folk was laid on the points.

32.
Farms and market-towns they burned as cities,
life's loss came to women and clerks,
tortures and pains harassed many a strong one.

33.
Night and day the hurried brothers went at their tricks —
Mattheus trusted in his strength,
as though loosed from the withies.

34.
Never was there one left behind where the warriors passed —
they burned the great districts hard,
wasteland and ruin were left.

35.
They learned that a great host was gone to Rome —
they would rather rob Fenrir's flower
of warriors than offer them honor.

36.
The warriors looked at Rome and decided to encamp —
none pulled back at the blade's shield,
the men shall pay there for their harm.

37.
The emperor looked at the coming people, who had little of faith —
the men's tents were not low,
both allies were beside the lord.

38.
The fields scarcely sufficed them for width and flatness —
much has been mixed there in reports —
that the matters went on to a right conclusion.

39.
The warriors slept the next night, all, in quiet —
when the worthy warriors woke,
it was as though the city and halls shook.

40.
There came soon the fierce blast from the army —
it howled in the ground and in the mountains,
it rang in the wall from all the shields' sounds.

41.
The chieftains hid themselves in Hamðir's armor —
Mattheus trusted in his strength,
many a terror hung over many heads.

42.
Warriors looked at the blue byrnies with swords —
no one swore to the other loyalty —
fury went with grief in the heart's settlement.

43.
Warriors climbed onto their fine horses and would fight —
they are ready to ride away —
soon no one needs to wait for the other.

44.
The heathen brothers had now drawn up as it suited them —
for many a man terror and dread stood
— the wicked host that rushed there.

45.
A third part was the advantage of those men that they had more —
all shook spear and lance,
then little did I hear of mercy for any.

46.
Both sides shielded themselves with Hamðir's shield —
the gold-spike shall with payment
leap, whoever would seek it.

Ríma X

Mansöngr

1.
So takes the surf before the shore of tricks
Bödnar's sea-flood to fall —
the ship cannot come to land
with Kjalár's rage-gale.

2.
Ómi's craft runs out in the work
all in glory's salt —
unless we pay the Gautr in truth
let us go at the glory's malt.

3.
Kjalár's flood shall still first
the emperor's nation sink —
for it was to battles eager
from Viðrir's frozen ship.

4.
Every battle-line stood with its warriors
forward on the wide plains —
helms clinked and mail-rings rang,
the horns rang out all together.

5.
The cold storm of swords then poured down,
the steel shower cold —
lightning-edge at battle-cloud
burst at the blade's shield.

6.
String-hail from great hall
stood at Hildr's garments —
the sword ripped open the heart-hall,
sharp for many a people.

7.
Thousands of the thane's company fell there
before the bitter sword —
every man walked reluctantly to Hel's field,
nowhere was peace in the land.

8.
The stone flew and the lance sang,
spears and arrows rang —
the shield split and the pole was swung,
the spear's beams streamed.

9.
Blood's flood flowed around the warriors —
the host drowned in blood —
the whole army shot with its strength,
the breast raged with fury.

10.
That which the host won
need not be dwelt on long in words,
for the one we find the foremost
it pleases us to count.

11.
Let us turn to the left arm
by the emperor's banner —
with bitter edge they cut the wound's Garm —
bright Hamðir's shirt.

12.
Vespasíánus stirred the battle —
Villifer beside him —
a grim storm of spears those two
made with the bright sword.

13.
Both cut down horses and men,
bold heroes those two —
hundreds they let fall together,
whetted runners dead.

14.
Veticíus, the heathen man —
he gets to watch this —
the lord drove forward and the handle reddened —
he tested the white shield.

15.
The duke's hard shield-rim
hard and the byrnie through —
so came the lord's mighty hand
most against the enemy's men.

16.
The fine shield did not serve
the king's strong strength —
Vespasíánus left his life there,
eager for glory's work.

17.
The king, I know, bent at the blow —
the wise man saw it —
Villifer gave the lord the blow —
the field flowed in blood.

18.
He drove the prince far from him —
Fjölnir's good stall —
Ajas pulled then badly against it,
raged forward with fury.

19.
A javelin then seized the sword-thunder,
hurled it at the knight —
the hard meeting of their encounter —
yet one of them shall die.

20.
The weapons did not serve Villifer,
fine ones nor good shields —
nothing saw but the bare eyes
in empty northern paths.

21.
The javelin came into the temple's skull —
the eagles made to shriek —
so he was parted from his life,
it came out through the neck.

22.
He fell dead, that man who had virtue and skill
all the way to life's end —
he has lacked none of the merits
that can come to a worthy thane.

23.
Ajas bore that Yggr's tent
which is all set with stones —
iron-hammered and nobleman's rim
outside with ivory.

24.
Ajas bore that bright sword —
gold-bright in comparison —
certainly it traveled not so wide through the land
that men found its like.

25.
This sword lay three winters
in Þráinn's lair alone —
no man who has been wounded by it
can be healed, if he gets a cut.

26.
Ajas wrought with the giantess's wand
to slice all wholly apart —
every man was eager to flee the lands
before the king's waiting.

27.
Every sailor was sooner dead
than the lord could strike —
the whole nation covered the ground —
the lord dealt with the battle.

28.
Landrés made that heathen dog
know the glory-man —
the warrior would sooner take his death
than flee.

29.
The warrior remembered the knight
who bore valor above all —
he spared no spur on the horse —
he fastened the shield's ringing.

30.
The champion drove at the king's shield
a courtly spear with strength —
it slid down into the hawk-ground —
little it served him.

31.
He thrust hard along the rib-wood,
the Rögnir's robe-destroyer —
the lord fell onto the field's floor —
the lord fell to the earth.

32.
The lord came down headfirst —
the helm stood in the mud —
nowhere was there peace offered to him —
the other warrior claimed to be greater.

33.
Ajas looked up to his feet
out of that deep mud —
the duke then let the honored worthy man
go down to the earth.

34.
With both hands the lord took
bent one before him —
the lord resolved, that valor grew,
to pay back the wrath's work.

35.
It is now said that the sword flew
itself from the king's hand —
Landrés seized that lord's companion —
little it bound at anything.

36.
The head he drove from the shoulders
with the sharp sword slicing —
the duke was praised by all who saw —
he shall wait for honor.

37.
Like a lion's glory —
Landrés's heart one could call —
no mercy does he offer the warriors,
many wonders fall.

38.
The arm weakened against the battle-line hard —
the heathen companies fell —
the sword's weather was sharp there —
see what it gives to the other.

39.
Demetría from Tarsea, bold —
he began to ride forward —
he was both keen and courageous,
eager to fight in the hall.

40.
A famous earl called Filipó —
he drove his spear through him —
in that way I know he served
the lord's noble thanes.

41.
The names of men are slow to record —
that road went both ways —
Élíseus may think that —
he does not stand still.

42.
He is said to be a valiant man —
aged past his youth —
he pushed himself often to the spear's spell,
anger's fury filled.

43.
He felled twice ten and three there —
heathen thanes to fall —
came there forward where the king was
and chose the bold warriors.

44.
Both hurled strong poles
flying apart with strength —
could not see which warrior was finer
before he came to the battle.

45.
No man could see between them
in their valor —
each there might be the end
before all this was resolved.

46.
It is told me that Sálus's father
swept in with his sword —
that was a blow in Hildr's weather
dangerous to the king's life.

47.
The plate sliced and the breast-guard freely —
Fjölnir's hall's glory —
body split and did not fail much —
byrnie and all its rings.

48.
Now this Saragus the earl saw,
he who was from the heathen men —
that this old man walked directly
toward the champion's sons.

49.
The arrow was filled with poison —
the earl intended to shoot it —
the king shall for the crooked cause
receive strength from it.

50.
Into the lord's chest it came at the front —
the warrior fell, that wise man.
Now this is plain for men to see —
the whole crowd shall win.

51.
The earl wrought with no mercy
to urge the host to battle —
he has won enough fame
of Yggr's dark storm.

52.
Nothing at all did the earl then fear
for himself through time —
the battle-line broke and went as it could —
the warriors bent under.

53.
He cleared the wide Roman road —
the warriors pulled back —
never did they see a nobler man —
all fled from him.

54.
His clothing against the cool fire —
all could see it glowing —
when he shook the hard steel
each man saw his life.

55.
Mauricius, the great warrior,
remembered the king's death —
he is both quick and sharp —
turned with the red shield.

56.
They rushed at once with strength —
exceptional warriors, angry —
both struck squarely in the spot —
the ring of the byrnie's destroyer.

57.
Mauricius broke a fine pole
in the middle across the shield —
it was thick and very long —
it did not serve as he wished.

58.
The earl's shaft stands in the shield —
now it must be one of two things —
either all breaks if the hands do not fail —
the strength of warriors is seen.

59.
The warrior saw that the spear would soon
ring in the heart's inside —
unless he used it in some way,
strength with his own valor.

60.
He pulled his sword at the same moment,
swept the wave of fire —
the blow fell so with sword's thunder —
he got a heavy shame.

61.
The arm sliced and the shoulder's bone —
then the sword went into the heart —
then the body with the same stroke
parted in the middle.

62.
Another blow at the earl's neck —
just as quickly he let it swing —
the byrnie of bright steel
cannot shield the lord's flesh.

63.
The earl parted from his finery and home
quickly in an instant —
he toppled down in two pieces —
the lord down to the ground.

64.
Mauricius won the greatest victory
that shall be told long —
now he is a lord of honor
held foremost above all warriors.

65.
Then the whole host on this arm
took to the paths of flight —
warriors found grief and sorrow —
the battles shall be slow to end.

66.
Truly shall the ship sail here to breaking
on Suðri's sea-horse —
still in the verse-flood's exhausting
let the verse sink at its end.

Ríma XI

Mansöngr

1.
I find my strength failing me
and my knowledge fading —
here another manner follows
of my journey's bearing.

2.
The thorn-Rist shall not glow warm
though we are going further —
still shall the old voice go
over the good young men.

3.
I do not care to raise again
Óski's ferry up —
much it seems one answers another thing —
the youth's sweetness.

4.
Let us turn away from where the heathen hosts
fell down —
then men were sought out of strength,
most on the earth.

5.
No horse waited higher in the world
than Ábel had tamed —
it bit men in the press of points
and kicked them both.

6.
Ábel rode to the front,
forward beyond the banners —
for that many a warrior was found strong,
proved from Saracen lands.

7.
Neither could bear what the lord brought
to nation nor horses —
his with fine craft all
girths made at last.

8.
The lord had then the finest shield,
that could be called most glorious —
no other one like it was found
where the warriors looked.

9.
With pure gold the shield's bands
and it shone from wide away —
never did they see an equal shield
where warriors fought.

10.
Whiter than snow was the strap's ground
of ivory,
all of it wrought with gold
and fine stones.

11.
Many tales with mastery
shall be explained there —
he held it always with the thanes' praise
to their glory.

12.
No terror-man may from the ground
raise it against him —
unless he is Ábel, honor-glad
from his own letting.

13.
Thirteen ells the lord's shaft,
it can wound thanes —
often he showed strength and force
with the warriors' driving.

14.
Four ells is the feather-tip long
and a foot's breadth —
few shall raise it in the spear-song
from the ground.

15.
Men had then little peace
when he lifted the spear —
heads he drove down to men below
so hard against the stone.

16.
He threw horses and men together
over the back to cast —
the host then had Hildr's weather
from the shield-wood hard.

17.
Sixty he had stripped of warriors
in a brief moment —
men's breast was filled with fear
and fell to the ground.

18.
Lúcías set himself to look at him
as one who seeks glory —
greater is the hope for that lord —
he shall miss mercy.

19.
The warrior drove through shield
with fine strength —
there shall await a grim payment
for the one who serves the lobster.

20.
The strong bolt flew apart
at the steel's murder —
Ábel thought it nearly a wonder
what the lord dared.

21.
He then sent with swift choice
the shield-destroyer —
it raged when he bent the shaft of his door
with boldness and anger.

22.
The wide spear met in the breast
on the bit's sun-disk —
out through the mane-side came the ugly feather
and forward to the saddle.

23.
Into the bow in the saddle the great shaft rushed
and through the whole byrnie —
so it stood through the warrior —
he then fell.

24.
There the horse bent and the thane dead —
from this one thing —
swiftly swelled the wound-foam's wash
from the broad wound.

25.
The Serkland's king drew his sword
with his own hand —
the whole army then was afraid
when they knew the blade.

26.
It is like a blazing fire
and it shone from afar —
one way could it — both stock and steel —
and stones to slice.

27.
Never did he strike fewer than before
and he cast spears —
then this battle grew in strength
so it went with cunning.

28.
The whole battle-line he drove apart,
forward toward the banner —
the lord achieved then marvel and wonder —
he, the strong in trickery.

29.
Nowhere saw where the lord went
warriors to stand —
now shall Níkanór be needed
to try his hand.

30.
Lúcías's fall and people's loss
he saw both —
certainly Ábel's sure hope
is to grow in his wearying.

31.
He turned about his bold horse
and would take vengeance —
then each one aimed as he could most
to stand against him.

32.
He drove his way there to the broad road —
so the lord heard it —
that warrior walked the death-road
who drove the horse.

33.
This blow came at the top of the head
and cleft it apart —
Beita's robes the sword seized
and the gleaming byrnie.

34.
The plate sliced and the breastplate with it
and the fine rings —
the lord's flesh was deeply wounded,
so blood covered the chest.

35.
He stood all stripped bare there
with his shields torn away —
the grief shall grow if things go thus
with the fair women.

36.
Sálus's kinsman struck with his sword
with his own strength —
least he was lately with gold's brightness
and the grip's shaft.

37.
This blow came on the shoulders
that flew off the shield —
the lord struck with the sword forward
and it bit as he wished.

38.
Beside the spear-wart the warrior sliced
all the way through —
the fine horse felt the blow
and the neck received it all.

39.
The lord seized the hall's flower —
Hár's in the air —
he who always won victory and honor
beside the gold-bench.

40.
Honorable he bent to the ground, dead —
the warrior, the wise one —
lands and wealth were left behind
and the grief was lifted.

41.
He then cut down the heathen men
like heather or willow.
Well shall men think of this
though the verse draw to its end.

Colophon

All eleven rímur translated by Rímur Tulkus of the New Tianmu Anglican Church, March 2026.

Source language: Old/Middle Icelandic. Based on Rímnasafn, Vol. II (edited by Finnur Jónsson), Copenhagen, 1905–22, pp. 700–769. Primary manuscripts: AM 604h (Rímur I–VI), Wolfenbüttel copy AM 387 (Rímur VII–XI). The rímur are based on the Saga of Sálus and Níkanór (ed. Hannes Erlendsson and Einar Þórðarson, Reykjavik 1852), but cover only through chapter 16 of that saga. It is uncertain whether the poet intended to continue further.

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Source Text

Old/Middle Icelandic text from Rímnasafn II, pp. 700–769. Transcribed from Rímnasafn, edited by Finnur Jónsson, 1905–1922. Primary manuscript: AM 604h (Rímur I–VI); Wolfenbüttel (AM 387) (Rímur VII–XI).

Mansöngr and opening stanzas are given here as representative source samples. Full diplomatic text available in the printed edition.

Ríma I, st. 1–8:

MIN uar fyre fræda grvnd
friofgud merdar sade,
nu byr hardr vm hrygdar stund
harmr i uisku lade.

þo at ek se vid gumnna gladr,
giore ec þeim skemtan bioda,
æ byr angr enn inre madr
opt i rane lioda.

So skal ec bregda bolui fra
Bodnar leginum skæra,
fyr mun dreingr ok dicktan sia
daudr enn fyrnnezt kæra.

Keisare styrde Roma rikr,
reyndr at speckt ok millde,
fylkir hefr eigi fregri enn slikr
framizt med brandi ok skillde.

Hans var drottning uitr ok uæn
ualenn af ættum bestum,
giptu frod ok geysi kænn,
gofug at mentum flestum.

Vellde styrdi uisir traustr
uestr at Niorfa svndum,
Fenidi botnar fylla austr
fylkis valld i mundvm.

Myndia fioll reid merkia nordr
milldings tignn ok rike,
vt uit hafit er anar spordr,
eingin fanzt hans like.

Keisaren uill sitt rike ok rad
reckum ueita travstum,
þeir sem hallda lond ok lad
i len af kongi hraustvm.

Ríma VII, st. 1–4 (from MS C/Wolfenbüttel; modernized spelling begins here):

Óðar sveigi ek ár um stund
einkar fast um hróðrar mund,
þvíat firi Yggjar oldu mátt
orða lofit mun sjatna brátt.

Enn skal róa á yrkis hám,
efna framm um Suðra prám,
þó at nú dverga drykkju her
drífi um þat mærðar ker.

Vínit gladdi virða sveit,
vaktiz angr í hyggju reit,
svó var hugr á hodda gátt,
hvórki sofa þeir dag né nátt.

Dagþinga vill nú dogling þá,
dýrir herrar sátu hjá,
krefr sér hljóðs ok kærir nú
kranka stund er misti hann frú.

Ríma XI, st. 36–41 (conclusion):

Saulus mágur sverði họggr
af sínu afli,
sízt var hann af gulli gloggr
ok greipar skafli.

Þetta hogg á herðar kemr
er hraut af skildi,
buðlung sló með brandi fremr
ok beit sem vildi.

Hjá geirvortum garpinn sníðr
i gegnum snjallan,
hoggsins kendi hestrinn fríðr
en háls tók allan.

Hilmir grípur hallar blóma
Hárs á lopti,
sá vann jafnan sigr ok sóma
seima þopti.

Gildr hné at grundu dauðr
garpr inn fróði,
leifðiz bæði lond ok auðr
en léttir móði.

Hoggr hann síðan heiðna menn
sem hrís eðr víði.
Vel mun þikkja virðum enn
þótt vísan líði.

Source text from Rímnasafn II, edited by Finnur Jónsson, Copenhagen 1905–1922, pp. 700–769. Manuscripts: A = AM 604h; B = AM 603; C = Wolfenbüttel (AM 387); D = AM 145, 8°.

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