"
She answers, "Hard for a long while have I been in our dealings
together, and now I say, that while Hogni was yet alive thou
mightest have brought it to pass; but now mayest thou never atone
for my brethren in my heart; yet oft must we women be overborne
by the might of you men; and now are all my kindred dead and
gone, and thou alone art left to rule over me: wherefore now this
is my counsel that we make a great feast; wherein I will hold the
funeral of my brother and of thy kindred withal."
In such wise did she make herself soft and kind in words, though
far other things forsooth lay thereunder, but he hearkened to her
gladly, and trusted in her words, whereas she made herself sweet
of speech.
So Gudrun held the funeral feast for her brethren, and King Atli
for his men, and exceeding proud and great was this feast.
But Gudrun forgat not her woe, but brooded over it, how she might
work some mighty shame against the king; and at nightfall she
took to her the sons of King Atli and her as they played about
the floor; the younglings waxed heavy of cheer, and asked what
she would with them.
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