The Prose Edda · Part 3
Skáldskaparmál 45
45.1Gold is metaphorically termed Fire of the Hand, or of the Limb, or of the Leg, because it is red; but silver is called Snow, or Ice, or Hoar-Frost, because it is white. In like manner, gold or silver may be periphrased in metaphors of purse, or crucible, or lather, and both silver and gold may be called Hand-Stone, or Necklace, of any man who was wont to have a necklace. Necklaces and rings are both silver and gold, if no other distinction is raised.
45.2As Thorleikr the Fair sang: The kindly Prince the Load casts Of Crucibles on the Hawk-Seats Of thanes, the wrists embellished,— Gives Embers of the Arm-joint.
45.3And as Einarr Tinkling-Scale sang: The land-strong King of Lurid Breaks the golden Limb-Brands; I think the Prince of Warriors Lacks not the Rhine's bright Pebbles.
45.4Thus sang Einarr Skúlason: The Purse-Snow and the Sea-Fire Lie on both sides of the axe-head Blood-spilling; 't is my office To praise our foemen's Scather.
45.5And as he sang further: The Sea-Glow each day standeth O'er the Crucible's white Snow-Drift, And the shield, ships' cheeks protecting, Shelters a heart most lavish; Ne'er can one melt the silver Flagon-Snow in the Fire-Flame Of the Eel's Stream-Road; the Feller Of Hosts all feats performeth.
45.6Here gold is called Fire of the Eel's Stream-Road; and silver, Snow of Flagons.
45.7Thus sang Thórdr Mæri's Skald: The glad Giver of the Hand-Waste Of the Gold-Minisher perceiveth That the Hermódr of the Snake's Lair Hath had a lordly father.