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Now, Bragi was the sweetest musician in all the world. It
was said by some that his home was with the song-birds, and
that he had learned his skill from them. But this was only
part of the truth: for wherever there was loveliness or
beauty, or things noble and pure, there was Bragi; and his
wondrous power in music and song was but the outward sign of
a blameless soul. When he touched the strings of his golden
harp, all Nature was charmed with the sweet harmony: the
savage beasts of the wood crept near to listen; the birds
paused in their flight; the waves of the sea were becalmed,
and the winds were hushed; the leaping waterfall was still,
and the rushing torrent tarried in its bed; the elves forgot
their hidden treasures, and joined in silent dance around
him; and the strom-karls and the musicians of the wood
vainly tried to imitate him. And he was as fair of speech as
he was skilful in song. His words were so persuasive that he
had been known to call the fishes from the sea, to move
great lifeless rocks, and, what is harder, the hearts of
kings. He understood the voice of the birds, and the
whispering of the breeze, the murmur of the waves, and the
roar of the waterfalls. He knew the length and breadth of
the earth, and the secrets of the sea, and the language of
the stars. And every day he talked with Odin the All-Father,
and with the wise and good in the sunlit halls of Gladsheim.
And once every year he went to the North-lands, and woke the
earth from its long winter's sleep, and scattered music and
smiles and beauty everywhere.[EN#13]
Right gladly did Siegfried agree to sail with Bragi over the
sea; for he wot that the bright Asa-god would be a very
different guide from the cunning, evil-eyed Regin. So he
went on board with Bragi, and the gleaming Greyfell followed
them, and the sailors sat at their oars. And Bragi stood in
the prow, and touched the strings of his harp. And, as the
music arose, the white sails leaped up the masts, and a warm
south breeze began to blow; and the little vessel, wafted by
sweet sounds and the incense of spring, sped gladly away
over the sea.
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