12.

’Of the stay of our house

Still spake he truth,

(While much he honoured

My hero-deeds)

Of the son of Kveldulf,

Whom fair-haired king

Slew for a slander,

But honoured slain.

13.

’Wrong were it if he

Who wrought me good,

Gold-splender lavish,

Such gifts had cast

To the wasteful tract

Of the wild sea-mew,

To the surge rough-ridden

By sea-kings’ steeds.

14.

’False to my friend

Were I fairly called,

An untrue steward

Of Odin’s cup;

Of praise unworthy,

Pledge-breaker vile,

If I for such good

Gave nought again.

15.

’Now better seeth

The bard to climb

With feet poetic