Loke monologue — The Death of Balder

Then hear. Thou dost remember Rota's present. The spear which set the haughty half-god kneeling, That shiver'd I, and brought it unto Rota. I borrowed Tyr's, the Asa's dress and figure. "Behold," I cried, "thy spear, thou crafty Rota! Late at a Jotun's foot I found it lying, Sent from the Leir-King's hand; it still was buzzing, For strong is Hother's arm; I knew the weapon, And I, who trusted in thy art, I shouted. Now ill it stands with yonder mountain Jotun; But loud he laugh'd, and straight the lance upsnatching, He shiver'd it, and here, O crafty Rota! Here bring I back to thee the precious fragments!" With joy I saw her eyes with fury flashing, She swore by Odin's arm, by all the powers, And by the highest Godhead--by Allfather, Restless to search till she a spear discover'd With power to slay the strongest son of Ymer, And all who could be slain. She swore and vanished. Then seem'd it--then, by Haela's mists, then seem'd it As if fate only for that oath had waited. Three times above me thunder'd the high Norna; She spake; but terrible is Skulda's thunder; I cannot bear its sound; I swift departed; But soon was conscious of our spear's discovery. Then thou didst call-- But hear the heavy pinions! 'Tis she! 'tis Rota! I aside must hasten; For Valhall's maids detest me. [LOKE goes aside.