Frey had one day placed himself in Hlidskjalf, and looked out upon all the worlds. He also saw Jotunheim, and perceived a large and stately mansion which a maid was going to enter, and as she raised the latch of the door so great a radiancy was thrown from her hand, that the air and waters and all worlds were illuminated by it. It was Gerd, a daughter of the giant Gymer and Aurboda, relatives of Thjasse. At this sight Frey, as a just punishment for his audacity in mounting on that sacred throne, was struck with sudden sadness, so that on his return home he could neither speak nor sleep nor drink, nor did any one dare to inquire the cause of his affliction. Frey’s messenger was named Skirner. Njord sent for him and requested of him, as did also Skade, that he should ask Frey why he thus refused to speak to any one. Thus the Elder Edda, in the lay of Skirner: SKADE: Skirner, arise, and swiftly run Where lonely sits our pensive son; Bid him to parley, and inquire ’Gainst whom he teems with sullen ire. SKIRNER: Ill words I fear my lot will prove, If I your son attempt to move; If I bid parley, and inquire Why teems his soul with savage ire. Reluctantly Skirner then proceeded to Frey, and thus addressed him: SKIRNER: Prince of the gods, and first in fight! Speak, honored Frey, and tell me right: Why spends my lord the tedious day In his lone hall, to grief a prey? FREY: Oh, how shall I, fond youth, disclose To you my bosom’s heavy woes? The ruddy god shines every day, But dull to me his cheerful ray. SKIRNER: Your sorrows deem not I so great That you the tale should not relate: Together sported we in youth, And well may trust each other’s truth. FREY: In Gymer’s court I saw her move, The maid who fires my breast with love; Her snow-white arms and bosom fair Shone lovely, kindling sea and air. Dear is she to my wishes, more Than e’er was maid to youth before; But gods and elves, I wot it well, Forbid that we together dwell. SKIRNER: Give me that horse of wondrous breed To cross the nightly flame with speed; And that self-brandished sword to smite The giant race with strange affright. FREY: