Therewith he takes the helm from off the
head of him, and sees that it is no man, but a woman; and she was
clad in a byrny as closely set on her as though it had gown to
her flesh; so he rent it from the collar downwards; and then the
sleeves thereof, and ever the sword bit on it as if it were
cloth. Then said Sigurd that over-long had she lain asleep; but
she asked --
"What thing of great might is it that has prevailed to rend my
byrny, and draw me from my sleep?"
Even as sings the song (1)
"What bit on the byrny,
Why breaks my sleep away,
Who has turned from me
My wan tormenting?"
"Ah, is it so, that here is come Sigurd Sigmundson, bearing
Fafnir's helm on his head and Fafnir's bane in his hand?"
Then answered Sigurd --
"Sigmund's son
With Sigurd's sword
E'en now rent down
The raven's wall."
"Of the Volsung's kin is he who has done the deed; but now I have
heard that thou art daughter of a mighty king, and folk have told
us that thou wert lovely and full of lore, and now I will try the
same.
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