Talhjolde, Modiskva Bern

Talhjolde, Modiskva Bern

published by the

Imperial University Press, 3E 421

The Hawk is mighty and has the greatest wings

Uncommonly loyal and fiercest in battle

Her snow-blown hird are never overcome

The Moth is the source [1] of all laughter and joy

Her reward is for those who outlast the fray

Mead and song are her gift to Men

The Bear is most thoughtless of all beasts

Though strong his cloak is thin as rime [2]

No other is ever truly friend to he

On crooked road the three beasts stalk towards the sky

Fearing only the journey's end

When from below the hunger-dream called Adversary speaks:

"Little morsels, you tempt me cruelly so

Which of you will climb into my mouth

And while away the time until the Burning?"

The Hawk speaks first, in thunderclap voice

"The valor I bring bestows dignity on Men

The cost to sate you would be too high."

The Moth speaks next, dripping mead from dusty lips

"None could bear the wait for death without me

My pleasure cannot be for you alone."

The Bear does not speak, but salivates and gnashes

And pulls his skin tightly across his shoulders

He roars with unrestrained fury and hate

With a laugh and smile as sharp as glass, the Adversary

Says "A hungry stomach has no ears, so Bear alone shall live

It is only anger that will be found until the end of time."

Footnotes:

[1] Literally, a "fresh-running cleft." A mountain spring.

[2] Compare "thin-skinned."