Madam，Youhavegraciouslyconveyedtometheintelligencethatduringthewearyweeksspentfarfromhishome——inalternatehopeandfear，insufferingandmortaltrial——aPrincewhosememoryallmenmustreverence，theEmperorFrederick，foundpleasureinthereadingofmystories：that“theyinterestedandfascinatedhim。”
　　WhiletheworldwaswatchingdailyatthebedsideofyourMajesty’sImperialhusband，whilemanywereendeavouringtolearncourageinoursupremestneedfromthespectacleofthatheroicpatience，adistantwriterlittleknewthatithadbeenhisfortunetobringtosuchasuffereranhour’sforgetfulnessofsorrowandpain。
　　Thisknowledge，toanauthor，isfardearerthananypraise，anditisingratitudethat，withyourMajesty’spermission，IventuretodedicatetoyouthetaleofEricBrighteyes。
　　ThelateEmperor，atheartaloverofpeace，thoughbydutyasoldierofsoldiers，mightperhapshavecaredtointeresthimselfinawarrioroflongago，aheroofourNorthernstock，whosedayswerespentinstrife，andwhoselatestdesirewasRest。Butitmaynotbe；liketheGoldenEricofthisSaga，andafteranoblerfashion，hehaspassedthroughtheHundredGatesintotheValhallaofRenown。
　　Toyou，then，Madam，Idedicatethisbook，atoken，howeverslightandunworthy，ofprofoundrespectandsympathy。
　　Iam，Madam，YourMajesty’smostobedientservant，H。RiderHaggard。
　　November17，1889。
　　ToH。I。M。Victoria，EmpressFrederickofGermany。
　　INTRODUCTION
　　“EricBrighteyes“isaromancefoundedontheIcelandicSagas。“Whatisasaga？““Isitafableoratruestory？“Theanswerisnotaltogethersimple。ForsuchsagasasthoseofBurntNjalandGrettirtheStrongpartakebothoftruthandfiction：historiansdisputeastotheproportions。Thiswasthemannerofthesaga’sgrowth：IntheearlydaysoftheIcelandcommunity——thatrepublicofaristocrats——
　　say，betweenthedates900and1100ofourera，aquarrelwouldarisebetweentwogreatfamilies。AsinthecaseoftheNjalSaga，itscause，probably，wastheilldoingsofsomenoblewoman。Thisquarrelwouldleadtomanslaughter。Thenbloodcalledforblood，andavendettawassetonfootthatendedonlywiththedeathbyviolenceofamajorityoftheactorsinthedramaandoflargenumbersoftheiradherents。Inthecourseofthefeud，menofheroicstrengthandmouldwouldcometothefrontandperformdeedsworthyoftheironagewhichborethem。Womenalsowouldhelptofashionthetale，forgoodorill，accordingtotheirnaturalgiftsandcharacters。Atlastthetragedywascoveredupbydeathandtime，leavingonlyafewdintedshieldsandhauntedcairnstotellofthosewhohadplayeditsleadingparts。
　　Butitsfamelivedoninthemindsofmen。Fromgenerationtogenerationskaldswanderedthroughthewintersnows，muchasHomermayhavewanderedinhisdayacrosstheGrecianvalesandmountains，tofindawelcomeateverystead，becauseoftheold-timestorytheyhadtotell。Here，nightafternight，theywouldsitintheingleandwhileawaythewearinessofthedaylessdarkwithhistoriesofthetimeswhenmencarriedtheirlivesintheirhands，andthoughtthemwelllostiftheremightbeasongintheearsoffolktocome。Toalterthetalewasoneofthegreatestofcrimes：theskaldmustrepeatitasitcametohim；butbydegreesundoubtedlythesagasdidsufferalteration。Thefactsremainedthesameindeed，butaroundthemgatheredamistofmiraculousoccurrencesandlegends。Totakeasingleinstance：theaccountoftheburningofBergthorsknollintheNjalSagaisnotonlyapieceofdescriptivewritingthatforvivid，simpleforceandinsightisscarcelytobematchedoutofHomerandtheBible，itisalsoobviouslytrue。Wefeelasweread，thatnomancouldhaveinventedthatstory，thoughsomegreatskaldthrewitintoshape。Thatthetaleistrue，thewriterof“Eric“cantestify，for，sagainhand，hehasfollowedeveryactofthedramaonitsverysite。
　　TherehewhodigsbeneaththesurfaceofthelonelymoundthatlooksacrossplainandseatoWestmanIslesmaystillfindtracesoftheburning，andseewhatappearstobetheblacksandwithwhichthehandsofBergthoraandherwomenstrewedtheearthenfloorsomeninehundredyearsago，andeventhegreasyandclottedremainsofthewheythattheythrewupontheflametoquenchit。HemaydiscovertheplaceswhereFosidrewuphismen，whereSkarphedinndied，singingwhilehislegswereburntfromoffhim，whereKarileaptfromtheflamingruin，andthedellinwhichhelaiddowntorest——ateverystep，inshort，thetruthofthenarrativebecomesmoreobvious。Andyetthetalehasbeenaddedto，for，unlesswemaybelievethatsomehumanbeingsaregiftedwithsecondsight，wecannotacceptastruethepropheticvisionthatcametoRunolf，Thorstein’sson；orthatofNjalwho，ontheeveningoftheonslaught，likeTheoclymenusintheOdyssey，sawthewholeboardandthemeatsuponit“onegoreofblood。”
　　Thus，intheNorseromancenowofferedtothereader，thetaleofEricandhisdeedswouldbetrue；butthedreamofAsmund，thewitchcraftofSwanhild，theincidentofthespeakinghead，andthevisionsofEricandSkallagrim，wouldowetheirorigintotheimaginationofsuccessivegenerationsofskalds；and，finally，inthefifteenthorsixteenthcentury，thestorywouldhavebeenwrittendownwithallitssupernaturaladditions。
　　Thetendencyofthehumanmind——andmoreespeciallyoftheNorsemind——istosupplyuncommonandextraordinaryreasonsforactionsandfactsthataretobeamplyaccountedforbytheworkingofnaturalforces。Swanhildwouldhaveneededno“familiar“toinstructherinherevilschemes；Ericwouldhavewantednolove-draughttobringabouthisoverthrow。Ourcommonexperienceofmankindasitis，inoppositiontomankindaswefableittobe，issufficienttoteachusthatthepassionofoneandthehumanweaknessoftheotherwouldsufficetotheseends。Thenaturalmagic，thebeautyandinherentpowerofsuchawomanasSwanhild，arethingsmoreforcefulthananyspellmagicianshaveinvented，oranydemontheyaresupposedtohavesummonedtotheiraid。Butnosagawouldbecompletewithouttheinterventionofsuchextraneousforces：theneedofthemwasalwaysfelt，inordertothrowuptheactsofheroesandheroines，andtoinvesttheirpersonswithanaddedimportance。EvenHomerfeltthisneed，anddidnotscrupletointroducenotonlysecondsight，butgodsandgoddesses，andtobringtheirsupernaturalagencytobeardirectlyonthepersonagesofhischant，andthatfarmorefreelythananyNorsesagaman。Awordmaybeaddedinexplanationoftheappearancesof“familiars“intheshapesofanimals，aninstanceofwhichwillbefoundinthisstory。ItwasbelievedinIceland，asnowbytheFinnsandEskimo，thatthepassionsanddesiresofsorcererstookvisibleforminsuchcreaturesaswolvesorrats。Thesewerecalled“sendings。”andtherearemanyallusionstothemintheSagas。
　　AnotherpeculiaritythatmaybebrieflyalludedtoaseminentlycharacteristicoftheSagasistheirfatefulness。AswereadweseemtohearthevoiceofDoomspeakingcontinually。“/Thingswillhappenastheyarefated/“：thatisthekeynoteofthemall。TheNorsemindhadlittlebeliefinfreewill，lesseventhanwehaveto-day。Menandwomenwerebornwithcertaincharactersandtendencies，giventotheminorderthattheirlivesshouldruninappointedchannels，andtheiractsbringaboutanappointedend。Theydonotthesethingsoftheirowndesire，thoughtheirdesirespromptthemtothedeeds：theydothembecausetheymust。TheNorns，astheynameFate，havemappedouttheirpathlongandlongago；theirfeetaresettherein，andtheymusttreadittotheend。SuchwastheconclusionofourScandinavianancestors——abeliefforceduponthembytheirintenserealisationofthefutilityofhumanhopesandschemings，oftheterrorandthetragedyoflife，thevanityofitsdesires，andtheuntravelledgloomorsleep，dreamlessordreamfull，whichliesbeyonditsend。
　　ThoughtheSagasareentrancing，bothasexamplesofliteratureofwhichthereisbutlittleintheworldandbecauseoftheirlivinginterest，theyarescarcelyknowntotheEnglish-speakingpublic。Thisiseasytoaccountfor：itishardtopersuadethenineteenthcenturyworldtointerestitselfinpeoplewholivedandeventsthathappenedathousandyearsago。Moreover，theSagasareundoubtedlydifficultreading。Thearchaicnatureofthework，eveninatranslation；themultitudeofitsactors；theNorsesagaman’shabitofinterweavingendlessside-plots，andthepersistencewithwhichheintroducesthegenealogyandadventuresoftheancestorsofeveryunimportantcharacter，arenoneofthemtothetasteofthemodernreader。
　　“EricBrighteyes“therefore，isclippedofthesepeculiarities，and，tosomeextent，iscastintheformoftheromanceofourownday，archaismsbeingavoidedasmuchaspossible。TheauthorwillbegratifiedshouldhesucceedinexcitinginterestinthetroubledlivesofourNorseforefathers，andstillmoresoifhisdifficultexperimentbringsreaderstotheSagas——totheproseepicsofourownrace。Tooample，tooprolix，toocrowdedwithdetail，theycannotindeedvieinartwiththeepicsofGreece；butintheirpicturesoflife，simpleandheroic，theyfallbeneathnoliteratureintheworld，savetheIliadandtheOdysseyalone。
　　ERICBRIGHTEYES
　　I
　　HOWASMUNDTHEPRIESTFOUNDGROATHEWITCH
　　Therelivedamaninthesouth，beforeThangbrand，Wilibald’sson，preachedtheWhiteChristinIceland。HewasnamedEricBrighteyes，Thorgrimur’sson，andinthosedaystherewasnomanlikehimforstrength，beautyanddaring，forinallthesethingshewasthefirst。
　　Buthewasnotthefirstingood-luck。
　　Twowomenlivedinthesouth，notfarfromwheretheWestmanIslandsstandabovethesea。GudrudatheFairwasthenameoftheone，andSwanhild，calledtheFatherless，Groa’sdaughter，wastheother。Theywerehalf-sisters，andtherewerenoneliketheminthosedays，fortheywerethefairestofallwomen，thoughtheyhadnothingincommonexcepttheirbloodandhate。
　　NowofEricBrighteyes，ofGudrudatheFairandofSwanhildtheFatherless，thereisataletotell。
　　Thesetwofairwomensawthelightintheself-samehour。ButEricBrighteyeswastheirelderbyfiveyears。ThefatherofEricwasThorgrimurIron-Toe。Hehadbeenamightyman；butinfightingwithaBaresark，[*]whofelluponhimashecameupfromsowinghiswheat，hisfootwashewnfromhim，sothatafterwardshewentuponawoodenlegshodwithiron。Still，heslewtheBaresark，standingononelegandleaningagainstarock，andforthatdeedpeoplehonouredhimmuch。Thorgrimurwasawealthyyeoman，slowtowrath，just，andrichinfriends。SomewhatlateinlifehetooktowifeSaevuna，Thorod’sdaughter。Shewasthebestofwomen，stronginmindandsecond-
　　sighted，andshecouldcoverherselfinherhair。Butthesetwoneverlovedeachotherovermuch，andtheyhadbutonechild，Eric，whowasbornwhenSaevunawaswelloninyears。
　　[*]TheBaresarksweremenonwhomapassingfuryofbattlecame；theywereusuallyoutlawed。
　　ThefatherofGudrudawasAsmundAsmundson，thePriestofMiddalhof。
　　HewasthewisestandthewealthiestofallmenwholivedinthesouthofIcelandinthosedays，owningmanyfarmsand，also，twoshipsofmerchandiseandonelongshipofwar，andhavingmuchmoneyoutatinterest。Hehadwonhiswealthbyviking’swork，robbingtheEnglishcoasts，andblacktalesweretoldofhisdoingsinhisyouthonthesea，forhewasa“red-hand“viking。Asmundwasahandsomeman，withblueeyesandalargebeard，and，moreover，wasveryskilledinmattersoflaw。Helovedmoneymuch，andwasfearedofall。Still，hehadmanyfriends，forasheagedhegrewmorekindly。HehadinmarriageGudruda，thedaughterofBj？rn，whowasverysweetandkindlyofnature，sothattheycalledherGudrudatheGentle。Ofthismarriagethereweretwochildren，Bj？rnandGudrudatheFair；butBj？rngrewuplikehisfatherinyouth，strongandhard，andgreedyofgain，while，exceptforherwonderfulbeauty，Gudrudawashermother’schildalone。
　　ThemotherofSwanhildtheFatherlesswasGroatheWitch。ShewasaFinn，anditistoldofherthattheshiponwhichshesailed，tryingtorunundertheleeoftheWestmanIslesinagreatgalefromthenorth-east，wasdashedtopiecesonarock，andallthoseonboardofherwerecaughtinthenetofRan[*]anddrowned，exceptGroaherself，whowassavedbyhermagicart。Thisattheleastistrue，that，asAsmundthePriestrodedownbythesea-shoreonthemorningafterthegale，seekingforsomestrayedhorses，hefoundabeautifulwoman，whoworeapurplecloakandagreatgirdleofgold，seatedonarock，combingherblackhairandsingingthewhile；and，atherfeet，washingtoandfroinapool，wasadeadman。Heaskedwhenceshecame，andsheanswered：
　　“OutoftheSwan’sBath。”
　　[*]TheNorsegoddessofthesea。
　　Next，heaskedherwherewereherkin。But，pointingtothedeadman，shesaidthatthisalonewasleftofthem。
　　“Whowastheman，then？“saidAsmundthePriest。
　　Shelaughedagainandsangthissong：——
　　GroasailsupfromtheSwan’sBath，DeathGodsgriptheDeadMan’shand。
　　Lookwhereliesherlucklesshusband，Boldersea-kingne’erswungsword！
　　Asmund，keepthekirtle-wearer，ForlastnighttheNornswerecrying，AndGroathoughttheytoldofthee：
　　Yea，toldoftheeandbabesunborn。
　　“Howknowestthoumyname？“askedAsmund。
　　“Thesea-mewscrieditastheshipsank，thineandothers——andtheyshallbeheardinstory。”
　　“Thenthatisthebestofluck。”quothAsmund；“butIthinkthatthouartfey。”[*]
　　[*]I。e。subjecttosupernaturalpresentiments，generallyconnectedwithapproachingdoom。
　　“Ay。”sheanswered，“feyandfair。”
　　“Trueenoughthouartfair。Whatshallwedowiththisdeadman？“
　　“LeavehiminthearmsofRan。Somayallhusbandslie。”
　　Theyspokenomorewithheratthattime，seeingthatshewasawitchwoman。ButAsmundtookheruptoMiddalhof，andgaveherafarm，andshelivedtherealone，andheprofitedmuchbyherwisdom。
　　NowitchancedthatGudrudatheGentlewaswithchild，andwhenhertimecameshegaveadaughterbirth——averyfairgirl，withdarkeyes。
　　Onthesameday，Groathewitchwomanbroughtforthagirl-child，andmenwonderedwhowasitsfather，forGroawasnoman’swife。Itwaswomen’stalkthatAsmundthePriestwasthefatherofthischildalso；
　　butwhenheheardithewasangry，andsaidthatnowitchwomanshouldbearabairnofhis，howsoeverfairshewas。Nevertheless，itwasstillsaidthatthechildwashis，anditiscertainthatheloveditasamanloveshisown；butofallthings，thisisthehardesttoknow。WhenGroawasquestionedshelaugheddarkly，aswasherfashion，andsaidthatsheknewnothingofit，neverhavingseenthefaceofthechild’sfather，whoroseoutoftheseaatnight。Andforthiscausesomethoughthimtohavebeenawizardorthewraithofherdeadhusband；butotherssaidthatGroalied，asmanywomenhavedoneonsuchmatters。ButofallthistalkthechildaloneremainedandshewasnamedSwanhild。
　　Now，butanhourbeforethechildofGudrudatheGentlewasborn，AsmundwentupfromhishousetotheTemple，totendtheholyfirethatburnednightanddayuponthealtar。Whenhehadtendedthefire，hesatdownuponthecross-benchesbeforetheshrine，and，gazingontheimageoftheGoddessFreya，hefellasleepanddreamedaveryevildream。
　　HedreamedthatGudrudatheGentleboreadovemostbeautifultosee，forallitsfeatherswereofsilver；butthatGroatheWitchboreagoldensnake。Andthesnakeandthedovedwelttogether，andeverthesnakesoughttoslaythedove。AtlengththerecameagreatwhiteswanflyingoverColdbackFell，anditstonguewasasharpsword。Nowtheswansawthedoveandlovedit，andthedovelovedtheswan；butthesnakereareditself，andhissed，andsoughttokillthedove。Buttheswancoveredherwithhiswings，andbeatthesnakeaway。Thenhe，Asmund，cameoutanddroveawaytheswan，astheswanhaddriventhesnake，anditwheeledhighintotheairandflewsouth，andthesnakeswamawayalsothroughthesea。Butthedovedroopedandnowitwasblind。Thenaneaglecamefromthenorth，andwouldhavetakenthedove，butitfledroundandround，crying，andalwaystheeagledrewnearertoit。Atlength，fromthesouththeswancameback，flyingheavily，andaboutitsneckwastwinedthegoldensnake，andwithitcamearaven。Anditsawtheeagleandloudittrumpeted，andshookthesnakefromitsothatitfelllikeagleamofgoldintothesea。
　　Thentheeagleandtheswanmetinbattle，andtheswandrovetheeagledownandbrokeitwithhiswings，and，flyingtothedove，comfortedit。Butthoseinthehouseranoutandshotattheswanwithbowsanddroveitaway，butnowhe，Asmund，wasnotwiththem。Andoncemorethedovedrooped。Againtheswancameback，andwithittheraven，andagreathostweregatheredagainstthem，and，amongthem，allofAsmund’skithandkin，andthemenofhisquarterandsomeofhispriesthood，andmanywhomhedidnotknowbyface。AndtheswanflewatBj？rnhisson，andshotouttheswordofitstongueandslewhim，andmanyamanitslewthus。Andtheraven，withabeakandclawsofsteel，slewalsomanyaman，sothatAsmund’skindredfledandtheswansleptbythedove。Butasitsleptthegoldensnakecrawledoutofthesea，andhissedintheearsofmen，andtheyroseuptofollowit。Itcametotheswanandtwineditselfaboutitsneck。Itstruckatthedoveandslewit。Thentheswanawokeandtheravenawoke，andtheydidbattletillallwhoremainedofAsmund’skindredandpeopleweredead。Butstillthesnakeclungabouttheswan’sneck，andpresentlysnakeandswanfellintothesea，andfaroutontheseathereburnedaflameoffire。AndAsmundawoketremblingandlefttheTemple。
　　Nowashewent，awomancamerunning，andweepingassheran。
　　“Haste，haste！“shecried；“adaughterisborntothee，andGudrudathywifeisdying！“
　　“Isitso？“saidAsmund；“afterilldreamsilltidings。”
　　Nowinthebed-closetoffthegreathallofMiddalhoflayGudrudatheGentleandshewasdying。
　　“Artthouthere，husband？“shesaid。
　　“Evenso，wife。”
　　“Thoucomestinanevilhour，foritismylast。Nowhearken。Takethouthenew-bornbabewithinthinearmsandkissit，andpourwateroverit，andnameitwithmyname。”
　　ThisAsmunddid。
　　“Hearken，myhusband。Ihavebeenagoodwifetothee，thoughthouhastnotbeenallgoodtome。Butthusshaltthouatone：thoushaltswearthat，thoughsheisagirl，thouwiltnotcastthisbairnforthtoperish，butwiltcherishandnurtureher。”
　　“Iswearit。”hesaid。
　　“AndthoushaltswearthatthouwiltnottakethewitchwomanGroatowife，norhaveanythingtodowithher，andthisforthineownsake：
　　for，ifthoudost，shewillbethydeath。Dostthouswear？“
　　“Iswearit。”hesaid。
　　“Itiswell；but，husband，ifthoudostbreakthineoath，eitherinthewordsorinthespiritofthewords，evilshallovertaketheeandallthyhouse。Nowbidmefarewell，forIdie。”
　　Hebentoverherandkissedher，anditissaidthatAsmundweptinthathour，forafterhisfashionhelovedhiswife。
　　“Givemethebabe。”shesaid，“thatitmaylieonceuponmybreast。”
　　Theygaveherthebabeandshelookeduponitsdarkeyesandsaid：
　　“Fairestofwomenshaltthoube，Gudruda——fairasnowomaninIcelandeverwasbeforethee；andthoushaltlovewithamightylove——andthoushaltlose——and，losing，thoushaltfindagain。”
　　Now，itissaidthat，asshespokethesewords，herfacegrewbrightasaspirit’s，and，havingspokenthem，shefellbackdead。Andtheylaidherinearth，butAsmundmournedhermuch。
　　But，whenallwasoveranddone，thedreamthathehaddreamedlayheavyonhim。NowofalldivinersofdreamsGroawasthemostskilled，andwhenGudrudahadbeeninearthsevenfulldays，AsmundwenttoGroa，thoughdoubtfully，becauseofhisoath。
　　Hecametothehouseandentered。OnacouchinthechamberlayGroa，andherbabewasonherbreastandshewasveryfairtosee。
　　“Greeting，lord！“shesaid。“Whatwouldestthouhere？“
　　“Ihavedreamedadream，andthoualonecanstreadit。”
　　“Thatisasitmaybe。”sheanswered。“ItistruethatIhavesomeskillindreams。AttheleastIwillhearit。”
　　Thenheunfoldedittohereveryword。
　　“WhatwiltthougivemeifIreadthydream？“shesaid。
　　“Whatdostthouask？MethinksIhavegiventheemuch。”
　　“Yea，lord。”andshelookedatthebabeuponherbreast。“Iaskbutalittlething：thatthoushalttakethisbairninthyarms，pourwateroveritandnameit。”
　　“MenwilltalkifIdothis，foritisthefather’spart。”
　　“Itisalittlethingwhatmensay：talkgoesbyasthewind。
　　Moreover，thoushaltgivethemthelieinthechild’sname，foritshallbeSwanhildtheFatherless。Neverthelessthatismyprice。Payitifthouwilt。”
　　“ReadmethedreamandIwillnamethechild。”
　　“Nay，firstnamethouthebabe：forthennoharmshallcometoheratthyhands。”
　　SoAsmundtookthechild，pouredwateroverher，andnamedher。
　　ThenGroaspoke：“Thislord，isthereadingofthydream，elsemywisdomisatfault：ThesilverdoveisthydaughterGudruda，thegoldensnakeismydaughterSwanhild，andthesetwoshallhateonetheotherandstriveagainsteachother。Buttheswanisamightymanwhombothshalllove，and，ifhelovenotboth，yetshallbelongtoboth。
　　Andthoushaltsendhimaway；butheshallreturnandbringbadlucktotheeandthyhouse，andthydaughtershallbeblindwithloveofhim。Andintheendheshallslaytheeagle，agreatlordfromthenorthwhoshallseektowedthydaughter，andmanyanothershallheslay，bythehelpofthatravenwiththebillofsteelwhoshallbewithhim。ButSwanhildshalltriumphoverthydaughterGudruda，andthisman，andthetwoofthem，shalldieatherhands，and，fortherest，whocansay？Butthisistrue——thatthemightymanshallbringallthyracetoanend。Seenow，Ihavereadthyrede。”
　　ThenAsmundwasverywroth。“Thouwastwisetobeguilemetonamethybastardbrat。”hesaid；“elsehadIbeenitsdeathwithinthishour。”
　　“Thisthoucanstnotdo，lord，seeingthatthouhasthelditinthyarms。”Groaanswered，laughing。“GoratherandlayoutGudrudatheFaironColdbackHill；soshaltthoumakeanendoftheevil，forGudrudashallbeitsveryroot。Learnthis，moreover：thatthydreamdoesnottellall，seeingthatthouthyselfmustplayapartinthefate。Go，sendforththebabeGudruda，andbeatrest。”
　　“Thatcannotbe，forIhavesworntocherishit，andwithanoaththatmaynotbebroken。”
　　“Itiswell。”laughedGroa。“Thingswillbefallastheyarefated；letthembefallintheirseason。ThereisspaceforcairnsonColdbackandtheseacanshrouditsdead！“
　　AndAsmundwentthence，angeredatheart。
　　II
　　HOWERICTOLDHISLOVETOGUDRUDAINTHESNOWONCOLDBACK
　　Now，itmustbetoldthat，fiveyearsbeforethedayofthedeathofGudrudatheGentle，Saevuna，thewifeofThorgrimurIron-Toe，gavebirthtoason，atColdbackintheMarsh，onRanRiver，andwhenhisfathercametolookuponthechildhecalledoutaloud：
　　“Herewehaveawondrousbairn，forhishairisyellowlikegoldandhiseyesshinebrightasstars。”AndThorgrimurnamedhimEricBrighteyes。
　　Now，Coldbackisbutanhour’sridefromMiddalhof，anditchanced，inafteryears，thatThorgrimurwentuptoMiddalhof，tokeeptheYulefeastandworshipintheTemple，forhewasinthepriesthoodofAsmundAsmundson，bringingtheboyEricwithhim。TherealsowasGroawithSwanhild，fornowshedweltatMiddalhof；andthethreefairchildrenweresettogetherinthehalltoplay，andmenthoughtitgreatsporttoseethem。Now，GudrudahadahorseofwoodandwouldrideitwhileEricpushedthehorsealong。ButSwanhildsmoteherfromthehorseandcalledtoErictomakeitmove；buthecomfortedGudrudaandwouldnot，andatthatSwanhildwasangryandlispedout：
　　“Pushthoumust，ifIwillit，Eric。”
　　ThenhepushedsidewaysandwithsuchgoodwillthatSwanhildfellalmostintothefireofthehearth，and，leapingup，shesnatchedabrandandthrewitatGudruda，firingherclothes。Menlaughedatthis；butGroa，standingapart，frownedandmutteredwitch-words。
　　“Whylookestthousodarkly，housekeeper？“saidAsmund；“theboyisbonnyandhighofheart。”
　　“Ah，heisbonnyasnochildis，andheshallbebonnyallhislife-
　　days。Nevertheless，sheshallnotstandagainsthisillluck。ThisI
　　prophesyofhim：thatwomenshallbringhimtohisend，andheshalldieahero’sdeath，butnotatthehandofhisfoes。”
　　Andnowtheyearswentbypeacefully。GroadweltwithherdaughterSwanhildupatMiddalhofandwastheloveofAsmundAsmundson。But，thoughheforgothisoaththusfar，yethewouldnevertakehertowife。Thewitchwifewasangeredatthis，andsheschemedandplottedmuchtobringitaboutthatAsmundshouldwedher。Butstillhewouldnot，thoughinallthingselsesheledhimasitwerebyahalter。
　　TwentyfullyearshadgonebysinceGudrudatheGentlewaslaidinearth；andnowGudrudatheFairandSwanhildtheFatherlesswerewomentoo。Eric，too，wasamanoffive-and-twentyyears，andnosuchmanhadlivedinIceland。Forhewasstrongandgreatofstature，hishairwasyellowasgold，andhisgreyeyesshonewiththelightofswords。
　　Hewasgentleandlovingasawoman，andevenasaladhisstrengthwasthestrengthoftwomen；andtherewerenoneinallthequarterwhocouldleaporswimorwrestleagainstEricBrighteyes。Menheldhiminhonourandspokewellofhim，thoughasyethehaddonenodeeds，butlivedathomeonColdback，managingthefarm，fornowThorgrimurIron-Toe，hisfather，wasdead。Butwomenlovedhimmuch，andthatwashisbane——forofallwomenhelovedbutone，GudrudatheFair，Asmund’sdaughter。Helovedherfromachild，andheralonetillhisdayofdeath，andshe，too，lovedhimandhimonly。FornowGudrudawasamaidofmaids，mostbeautifultoseeandsweettohear。
　　Herhair，likethehairofEric，wasgolden，andshewaswhiteasthesnowonHecla；buthereyeswerelargeanddark，andblacklashesdroopedabovethem。Fortherestshewastallandstrongandcomely，merryofface，yettender，andthemostwittyofwomen。
　　Swanhildalsowasveryfair；shewasslender，smalloflimb，anddarkofhue，havingeyesblueasthedeepsea，andbrowncurlinghair，enoughtoveilhertotheknees，andamindofwhichnoneknewtheend，for，thoughshewasopeninhertalk，herthoughtsweredarkandsecret。Thiswasherjoy：todrawtheheartsofmentoherandthentomockthem。Shebeguiledmanyinthisfashion，forshewasthecunningestgirlinmattersoflove，andsheknewwelltheartsofwomen，withwhichtheybringmentonothing。Neverthelessshewascoldatheart，anddesiredpowerandwealthgreatly，andshestudiedmagicmuch，ofwhichhermotherGroaalsohadastore。ButSwanhild，too，lovedaman，andthatwasthejointinherharnessbywhichtheshaftofFateenteredherheart，forthatmanwasEricBrighteyes，wholovedhernot。Butshedesiredhimsosorelythat，withouthim，alltheworldwasdarktoher，andhersoulbutasashipdrivenrudderlessuponawinternight。Thereforesheputoutallherstrengthtowinhim，andbentherwitcheriesuponhim，andtheywerenotfewnorsmall。Neverthelesstheywentbyhimlikethewind，forhedreamedeverofGudrudaalone，andhesawnoeyesbuthers，thoughasyettheyspokenowordofloveonetotheother。
　　ButSwanhildinherwrathtookcounselwithhermotherGroa，thoughtherewaslittlelikingbetweenthem；and，whenshehadheardthemaiden’stale，Groalaughedaloud：
　　“Dostthinkmeblind，girl？“shesaid；“allofthisIhaveseen，yeaandforeseen，andItelltheethouartmad。LetthisyeomanEricgoandIwillfindtheefinerfowltoflyat。”
　　“Nay，thatIwillnot。”quothSwanhild：“forIlovethismanalone，andIwouldwinhim；andGudrudaIhate，andIwouldoverthrowher。
　　Givemeofthycounsel。”
　　Groalaughedagain。“Thingsmustbeastheyarefated。Thisnowismyrede：AsmundwouldturnGudruda’sbeautytoaccount，andthatmanmustberichinfriendsandmoneywhogetshertowife，andinthismatterthemindofBj？rnisasthemindofhisfather。Nowwewillwatch，and，whenagoodtimechances，wewillbeartalesofGudrudatoAsmundandtoherbrotherBj？rn，andswearthatsheoverstepshermodestywithEric。ThenshallAsmundbewrothanddriveEricfromGudruda’sside。Meanwhile，Iwilldothis：Inthenorththeredwellsamanmightyinallthingsandblownupwithpride。HeisnamedOspakarBlacktooth。Hiswifeisbutlatelydead，andhehasgivenoutthathewillwedthefairestmaidinIceland。Now，itisinmymindtosendKolltheHalf-witted，mythrall，whomAsmundgavetome，toOspakarasthoughbychance。Heisagreattalkerandveryclever，forinhishalf-witsismorecunningthaninthebrainsofmost；andheshallsobepraiseGudruda’sbeautythatOspakarwillcomehithertoaskherinmarriage；andinthisfashion，ifthingsgowell，thoushaltberidofthyrival，andIofonewholooksscornfullyuponme。But，ifthisfail，thentherearetworoadsleftonwhichstrongfeetmaytraveltotheirend；andofthese，oneisthatthoushouldestwinEricawaywiththineownbeauty，andthatisnotlittle。Allmenarefrail，andI
　　haveadraughtthatwillmaketheheartaswax；butyettheotherpathissurer。”
　　“Andwhatisthatpath，mymother？“
　　“Itrunsthroughbloodtoblackness。BythysideisaknifeandinGudruda’sbosombeatsaheart。Deadwomenareunmeetforlove！“
　　SwanhildtossedherheadandlookeduponthedarkfaceofGroahermother。
　　“Methinks，withsuchanendtowin，Ishouldnotfeartotreadthatpath，iftherebeneed，mymother。”
　　“NowIseethouartindeedmydaughter。Happinessistothebold。Toeachitcomesinuncertainshape。Somelovepower，somewealth，andsome——aman。Takethatwhichthoulovest——Isay，cutthypathtoitandtakeit；elseshallthylifebebutaweariness：forwhatdoesitservetowinthewealthandpowerwhenthoulovestamanalone，orthemanwhenthoudostdesiregoldandtheprideofplace？Thisiswisdom：
　　tosatisfythelongingofthyyouth；foragecreepsonapaceandbeyondisdarkness。Therefore，ifthouseekestthisman，andGudrudablocksthypath，slayher，girl——bywitchcraftorbysteel——andtakehim，andinhisarmsforgetthatthineownarered。Butfirstletustrytheeasierplan。Daughter，Itoohatethisproudgirl，whoscornsmeasherfather’slight-of-love。Itoolongtoseethatbrightheadofhersdullwiththedustofdeath，or，attheleast，thoseproudeyesweepingtearsofshameasthemanshehatesleadsherhenceasabride。WereitnotforherIshouldbeAsmund’swife，and，whensheisgone，withthyhelp——forhelovestheemuchandhascausetolovethee——thisImaybeyet。Sointhismatter，ifinnoother，letusgohandinhandandmatchourwitsagainstherinnocence。”
　　Now，KolltheHalf-wittedwentuponhiserrand，andthetimepassedtillitlackedbutamonthtoYule，andmensatindoors，fortheseasonwasdarkandmuchsnowfell。Atlengthcamefrost，andwithitaclearsky，andGudruda，ceasingfromherspinninginthehall，wenttothewoman’sporch，and，lookingout，sawthatthesnowwashard，andagreatlongingcameuponhertobreathethefreshair，fortherewasstillanhourofdaylight。Soshethrewacloakaboutherandwalkedforth，takingtheroadtowardsColdbackintheMarshthatisbyRanRiver。ButSwanhildwatchedhertillshewasoverthehill。Thenshealsotookacloakandfollowedonthatpath，forshealwayswatchedGudruda。
　　Gudrudawalkedonforthehalfofanhourorso，whenshebecameawarethatthecloudsgatheredinthesky，andthattheairwasheavywithsnowtocome。Seeingthissheturnedhomewards，andSwanhildhidherselftoletherpass。Nowflakesfloateddownasbigandsoftasfifaflowers。Quickerandmorequicktheycametillalltheplainwasonewhitemazeofmist，butthroughitGudrudawalkedon，andafterhercreptSwanhild，likeashadow。Andnowthedarknessgatheredandthesnowfellthickandfast，coveringupthetrackofherfootstepsandshewanderedfromthepath，andafterherwanderedSwanhild，beingloathtoshowherself。ForanhourormoreGudrudawanderedandthenshecalledaloudandhervoicefellheavilyagainstthecloakofsnow。
　　Atthelastshegrewwearyandfrightened，andsatdownuponashelvingrockwhencethesnowhadslippedaway。Now，alittlewaybehindwasanotherrockandthereSwanhildsat，forshewishedtobeunseenofGudruda。Sosometimepassed，andSwanhildgrewheavyasthoughwithsleep，whenofasuddenamovingthingloomeduponthesnowydarkness。ThenGudrudaleapttoherfeetandcalled。Aman’svoiceanswered：
　　“Whopassesthere？“
　　“I，Gudruda，Asmund’sdaughter。”
　　Theformcamenearer；nowSwanhildcouldhearthesnortingofahorse，andnowamanleaptfromit，andthatmanwasEricBrighteyes。
　　“Isitthouindeed，Gudruda！“hesaidwithalaugh，andhisgreatshapeshoweddarklyonthesnowmist。
　　“Oh，isitthou，Eric？“sheanswered。“Iwasnevermorejoyedtoseethee；forofatruththoudostcomeinagoodhour。AlittlewhileandIhadseentheenomore，formyeyesgrowheavywiththedeath-sleep。”
　　“Nay，saynotso。Artlost，then？Why，soamI。Icameouttoseekthreehorsesthatarestrayed，andwasovertakenbythesnow。MaytheydwellinOdin’sstables，fortheyhaveledmetothee。Artthoucold，Gudruda？“
　　“Butalittle，Eric。Yea，thereisplacefortheehereontherock。”
　　Sohesatdownbyheronthestone，andSwanhildcreptnearer；fornowallwearinesshadlefther。Butstillthesnowfellthick。
　　“Itcomesintomymindthatwetwoshalldiehere。”saidGudrudapresently。
　　“Thinkestthouso？“heanswered。“Well，Iwillsaythis，thatIasknobetterend。”
　　“Itisabadendforthee，Eric：tobechokedinsnow，andwithallthydeedstodo。”
　　“Itisagoodend，Gudruda，todieatthyside，forsoIshalldiehappy；butIgrieveforthee。”
　　“Grievenotforme，Brighteyes，worsethingsmightbefall。”
　　Hedrewnearertoher，andnowheputhisarmsaboutherandclaspedhertohisbosom；nordidshesayhimnay。Swanhildsawandliftedherselfupbehindthem，butforawhilesheheardnothingbutthebeatingofherheart。
　　“Listen，Gudruda。”Ericsaidatlast。“Deathdrawsneartous，andbeforeitcomesIwouldspeaktothee，ifspeakImay。”
　　“Speakon。”shewhispersfromhisbreast。
　　“ThisIwouldsay，then：thatIlovethee，andthatIasknobetterfatethantodieinthyarms。”
　　“Firstshaltthouseemedieinthine，Eric。”
　　“Besure，ifthatisso，Ishallnottarryforlong。Oh！Gudruda，sinceIwasachildIhavelovedtheewithamightylove，andnowthouartalltome。Bettertodiethusthantolivewithoutthee。Speak，then，whilethereistime。”
　　“Iwillnothidefromthee，Eric，thatthywordsaresweetinmyears。”
　　AndnowGudrudasobsandthetearsfallfastfromherdarkeyes。
　　“Nay，weepnot。Dostthou，then，loveme？“
　　“Ay，sureenough，Eric。”
　　“Thenkissmebeforewepass。Amanshouldnotdiethus，andyetmenhavediedworse。”
　　Andsothesetwokissed，forthefirsttime，outinthesnowonColdback，andthatfirstkisswaslongandsweet。
　　Swanhildheardandherbloodseethedwithinheraswaterseethesinaboilingspringwhenthefireswakebeneath。Sheputherhandtoherkirtleandgrippedtheknifeatherside。Shehalfdrewit，thendroveitback。
　　“Coldkillsassureassteel。”shesaidinherheart。“IfIslayherI
　　cannotsavemyselforhim。Letusdieinpeace，andletthesnowcoverupourtroubling。”Andoncemoreshelistened。
　　“Ah，sweet。”saidEric，“eveninthemidstofdeaththereishopeoflife。Sweartome，then，thatifbychancewelivethouwiltlovemealwaysasthoulovestmenow。”
　　“Ay，Eric，Iswearthatandreadily。”
　　“Andswear，comewhatmay，thatthouwiltwednomanbutme。”
　　“Iswear，ifthoudostremaintruetome，thatIwillwednonebutthee，Eric。”
　　“ThenIamsureofthee。”
　　“Boastnotovermuch，Eric：ifthoudostlivethydaysareallbeforethee，andwithtimescometrials。”
　　Nowthesnowwhirleddownfasterandmorethick，tillthesetwo，claspedhearttoheart，werebutaheapofwhite，andallwhitewasthehorse，andSwanhildwasnearlyburied。
　　“Wheregowewhenwedie，Eric？“saidGudruda；“inOdin’shousethereisnoplaceformaids，andhowshallmyfeetfarewithoutthee？“
　　“Nay，sweet，myMay，Valhallashutsitsgatestome，adeedlessman；
　　upBifrost’srainbowbridgeImaynottravel，forIdonotdiewithbyrnieonbreastandswordaloft。ToHelashallwego，andhandinhand。”
　　“Artthousure，Eric，thatmenfindtheseabodes？Tosaysooth，attimesImisdoubtmeofthem。”
　　“IamnotsosurebutthatIalsodoubt。Still，Iknowthis：thatwherethougoestthereIshallbe，Gudruda。”
　　“Thenthingsarewell，andwellworktheNorns。[*]Still，Eric，ofasuddenIgrowfey：foritcomesuponmethatIshallnotdieto-night，butthat，nevertheless，Ishalldiewiththyarmsaboutme，andatthyside。There，Iseeitonthesnow！Iliebythee，sleeping，andonecomeswithhandsoutstretchedandsleepfallsfromthemlikeamist——
　　byFreya，itisSwanhild’sself！Oh！itisgone。”
　　[*]TheNorthernFates。
　　“Itwasnothing，Gudruda，butavisionofthesnow——anuntimelydreamthatcomesbeforethesleep。Igrowcoldandmyeyesareheavy；kissmeonceagain。”
　　“Itwasnodream，Eric，andeverIdoubtmeofSwanhild，forIthinkshelovestheealso，andsheisfairandmyenemy。”saysGudruda，layinghersnow-coldlipsonhislips。“Oh，Eric，awake！awake！See，thesnowisdone。”
　　Hestumbledtohisfeetandlookedforth。Lo！outacrosstheskyflaredthewildNorthernfires，throwinglightuponthedarkness。
　　“NowitseemsthatIknowtheland。”saidEric。“Look：yonderareGoldenFalls，thoughwedidnothearthembecauseofthesnow；andthere，outatsea，loomtheWestmans；andthatdarkthingistheTempleHof，andbehinditstandsthestead。Wearesaved，Gudruda，andthusfarindeedthouwastfey。Nowrise，erethylimbsstiffen，andI
　　willsettheeonthehorse，ifhestillcanrun，andleadtheedowntoMiddalhofbeforethewitchlightsfailus。”
　　“Soitshallbe，Eric。”
　　NowheledGudrudatothehorse——that，seeingitsmaster，snortedandshookthesnowfromitscoat，foritwasnotfrozen——andsetheronthesaddle，andputhisarmaboutherwaist，andtheypassedslowlythroughthedeepsnow。AndSwanhild，too，creptfromherplace，forherburningragehadkeptthelifeinher，andfollowedafterthem。
　　Manytimesshefell，andonceshewasnearlyswallowedinadriftofsnowandcriedoutinherfear。
　　“Whocalledaloud？“saidEric，turning；“IthoughtIheardavoice。”
　　“Nay。”answersGudruda，“itwasbutanight-hawkscreaming。”
　　NowSwanhildlayquietinthedrift，butshesaidinherheart：
　　“Ay，anight-hawkthatshalltearoutthosedarkeyesofthine，mineenemy！“
　　ThetwogoonandatlengththeycometothebankedroadwaythatrunspasttheTempletoAsmund’shall。HereSwanhildleavesthem，and，climbingovertheturf-wallintothehomemeadow，passesroundthehallbytheoutbuildingsandsocomestothewestendofthehouse，andentersbythemen’sdoorunnoticedofany。Forallthepeople，seeingahorsecomingandawomanseatedonit，weregatheredinfrontofthehall。ButSwanhildrantothatshutbedwheresheslept，and，closingthecurtain，threwoffhergarments，shookthesnowfromherhair，andputonalinenkirtle。Thensherestedawhile，forshewasweary，and，goingtothekitchen，warmedherselfatthefire。
　　MeanwhileEricandGudrudacametothehouseandthereAsmundgreetedthemwell，forhewastroubledinhisheartabouthisdaughter，andverygladtoknowherliving，seeingthatmenhadbutnowbeguntosearchforher，becauseofthesnowandthedarkness。
　　NowGudrudatoldhertale，butnotallofit，andAsmundbadeErictothehouse。ThenoneaskedaboutSwanhild，andEricsaidthathehadseennothingofher，andAsmundwassadatthis，forhelovedSwanhild。Butashetoldallmentogoandsearch，anoldwifecameandsaidthatSwanhildwasinthekitchen，andwhilethecarlinespokeshecameintothehall，dressedinwhite，verypale，andwithshiningeyesandfairtosee。
　　“Wherehastthoubeen，Swanhild？“saidAsmund。“IthoughtcertainlythouwastperishingwithGudrudainthesnow，andnowallmengotoseektheewhilethewitchlightsburn。”
　　“Nay，foster-father，IhavebeentotheTemple。”sheanswered，lying。
　　“SoGudrudahasbutnarrowlyescapedthesnow，thanksbetoBrighteyesyonder！SurelyIamgladofit，forwecouldillspareoursweetsister。”and，goinguptoher，shekissedher。ButGudrudasawthathereyesburnedlikefireandfeltthatherlipswerecoldasice，andshrankbackwondering。
　　III
　　HOWASMUNDBADEERICTOHISYULE-FEAST
　　Nowitwassupper-timeandmensatatmeatwhilethewomenwaiteduponthem。Butasshewenttoandfro，GudrudaalwayslookedatEric，andSwanhildwatchedthemboth。Supperbeingover，peoplegatheredroundthehearth，and，havingfinishedherservice，GudrudacameandsatbyEric，sothathersleevemighttouchhis。Theyspokenoword，buttheretheysatandwerehappy。Swanhildsawandbitherlip。Now，shewasseatedbyAsmundandBj？rnhisson。
　　“Look，foster-father。”shesaid；“yondersitaprettypair！“
　　“Thatcannotbedenied。”answeredAsmund。“OnemayridemanydaystoseesuchanothermanasEricBrighteyes，andnosuchmaidasGudrudaflowersbetweenMiddalhofandLondontown，unlessitbethou，Swanhild。Well，sohermothersaidthatitshouldbe，andwithoutdoubtshewasforesightedatherdeath。”
　　“Nay，namemenotwithGudruda，foster-father；Iambutagreygoosebythywhiteswan。ButtheseshallbewellwedandthatwillbeagoodmatchforEric。”
　　“Letnotthytonguerunonsofast。”saidAsmundsharply。“WhotoldtheethatEricshouldhaveGudruda？“
　　“Nonetoldme，butintruth，havingeyesandears，Igrewcertainofit。”saidSwanhild。“Lookatthemnow：surelyloverswearsuchfaces。”
　　NowitchancedthatGudrudahadrestedherchinonherhand，andwasgazingintoEric’seyesbeneaththeshadowofherhair。
　　“Methinksmysisterwilllookhigherthantowedasimpleyeoman，thoughheislargeastwoothermen。”saidBj？rnwithasneer。NowBj？rnwasjealousofEric’sstrengthandbeauty，anddidnotlovehim。
　　“Trustnothingthatthouseestandlittlethatthouhearest，girl。”
　　saidAsmund，raisinghimselffromthought：“soshallthyguessesbegood。Eric，comehereandtellushowthoudidstchanceonGudrudainthesnow。”
　　“IwasnotsoillseatedbutthatIcouldbeartostay。”grumbledEricbeneathhisbreath；butGudrudasaid“Go。”
　　Sohewentandtoldhistale；butnotallofit，forheintendedtoaskGudrudainmarriageonthemorrow，thoughhisheartprophesiednoluckinthematter，andthereforehewasnotoverswiftwithit。
　　“Inthisthingthouhastdonemeandminegoodservice。”saidAsmundcoldly，searchingEric’sfacewithhisblueeyes。“Ithadbeensaidifmyfairdaughterhadperishedinthesnow，for，knowthis：Iwouldsetherhighinmarriage，forherhonourandthehonourofmyhouse，andsosomerichandnoblemanhadlostgreatjoy。Buttakethouthisgiftinmemoryofthedeed，andGudruda’shusbandshallgivetheeanothersuchuponthedaythathemakesherwife。”andhedrewagoldringoffhisarm。
　　NowEric’skneestrembledasheheard，andhisheartgrewfaintasthoughwithfear。Butheansweredclearandstraight：
　　“Thygifthadbeenbetterwithoutthywords，ring-giver；butIpraytheetotakeitback，forIhavedonenothingtowinit，thoughperhapsthetimewillcomewhenIshallasktheeforaricher。”
　　“Mygiftshaveneverbeenputawaybefore。”saidAsmund，growingangry。
　　“Thiswealthyfarmerholdsthegoodgoldoflittleworth。Itisfoolishtotakefishtothesea，myfather。”sneeredBj？rn。
　　“Nay，Bj？rn，notso。”Ericanswered：“but，asthousayest，Iambutafarmer，andsincemyfather，ThorgrimurIron-Toe，diedthingshavenotgonetoowellonRanRiver。ButattheleastIamafreeman，andI
　　willtakenogiftsthatIcannotrepayworthforworth。ThereforeI
　　willnothavethering。”
　　“Asthouwilt。”saidAsmund。“Prideisagoodhorseifthouridestwisely。”andhethrusttheringbackuponhisarm。
　　Thenpeoplegotorest；butSwanhildseekshermother，andtellsherallthathasbefallenher，nordoesGroafailtolisten。
　　“NowIwillmakeaplan。”shesays，“forthesethingshavechancedwellandAsmundisinaripehumour。EricshallcomenomoretoMiddalhoftillGudrudaisgonehence，ledbyOspakarBlacktooth。”
　　“AndifEricdoesnotcomehere，howshallIseehisface？for，mother，Ilongforthesightofit。”
　　“Thatisthymatter，thoulovesickfool。Knowthis：thatifEriccomeshitherandgetsspeechwithGudruda，thereisanendofthyhopes；
　　for，fairasthouart，sheistoofairforthee，and，strongasthouart，inawaysheistoostrong。Thouhastheardhowthesetwolove，andsuchlovesmockatthewilloffathers。EricwillwinhisdesireordiebeneaththeswordsofAsmundandBj？rn，ifsuchmencanprevailagainsthismight。Nay，thewolfEricmustbefencedfromthelambtillhegrowshungry。Thenlethimsearchthefoldandmakespoilofthee，for，whenthebestisgone，hewilldesirethegood。”
　　“Sobeit，mother。AsIsatcrouchedbehindGudrudainthesnowatColdback，Ihadhalfamindtoendherlove-wordswiththisknife，forsoIshouldhavebeenfreeofher。”
　　“Yes，andfastinthedoom-ring，thouwildcat。ThegodshelpthisEric，ifthouwinnesthim。Nay，choosethytimeand，ifthoumuststrike，strikesecretlyandhome。Rememberalsothatcunningismightierthanstrength，thatliespiercefurtherthanswords，andthatwitchcraftwinswherehonestymustfail。NowIwillgotoAsmund，andheshallbeanangrymanbeforeto-morrowcomes。”
　　ThenGroawenttotheshutbedwhereAsmundthePriestslept。Hewassittingonthebedandaskedherwhyshecame。
　　“Forloveofthee，Asmund，andthyhouse，thoughthoudosttreatmeill，whohastprofitedsomuchbymeandmyforesight。Saynow：wiltthouthatthisdaughterofthine，GudrudatheFair，shouldbethelightMayofyonderlong-leggedyeoman？“
　　“Thatisnotinmymind。”saidAsmund，strokinghisbeard。
　　“Knowestthou，then，thatthisverydayyourwhiteGudrudasatonEric’slapinthesnow，whilehefondledhertohisheart’scontent？“
　　“Mostlikelyitwasforwarmth。Mendonotdreamonloveinthehourofdeath。Whosawthis？“
　　“Swanhild，whowasbehind，andhidherselfforshame，andthereforesheheldthatthesetwomustsoonbewed！Ah，thouartfoolishnow，Asmund。Youngbloodmakeslightofcoldordeath。Artthoublind，ordostthounotseethatthesetwoturnoneachotherlikebirdsatnesting-time？“
　　“Theymightdoworse。”saidAsmund，“fortheyareaproperpair，anditseemstomethateachwasbornforeach。”
　　“Thenallgoeswell。Still，itisapitytoseesofairamaidcastlikerottenbaituponthewaterstohookthistroutletofayeoman。
　　Thouhastenemies，Asmund；thouarttooprosperous，andtherearemanywhohatetheeforthystateandwealth。Wereitnotwisetousethisgirlofthinetobuildawallabouttheeagainsttheevilday？“
　　“Ihavebeenmorewont，housekeeper，totrusttomyownarmthantoboughtfriends。Buttellme，forattheleastthouartfar-seeing，howmaythisbedone？Asthingsare，thoughIspokeroughlytohimlastnight，IaminclinedtoletEricBrighteyestakeGudruda。Ihavealwayslovedthelad，andhewillgofar。”
　　“Listen，Asmund！SurelythouhastheardofOspakarBlacktooth——thepriestwhodwellsinthenorth？“
　　“Ay，Ihaveheardofhim，andIknowhim；thereisnomanlikehimforugliness，orstrength，orwealthandpower。Wesailedtogetheronavikingcruisemanyyearsago，andhedidthingsatwhichmybloodturned，andinthosedaysIhadnochickenheart。”
　　“Withtimemenchangetheirtemper。UnlessIammistaken，thisOspakarwishesabovealltohaveGudrudainmarriage，for，nowthateverythingishis，thisaloneisleftforhimtoask——thefairestwomaninIcelandasahousewife。Thinkthen，withOspakarforason-in-law，whoistherethatcanstandagainstthee？“
　　“Iamnotsosureofthismatter，nordoIaltogethertrustthee，Groa。Ofatruthitseemstomethatthouhastsomestakeupontherace。ThisOspakarisevilandhideous。ItwereashametogiveGudrudaovertohimwhenshelookselsewhere。KnowestthouthatI
　　sworetoloveandcherishher，andhowrunsthiswithmyoath？IfEricisnottoorich，yetheisofgoodbirthandkin，and，moreover，amanofmen。Ifhetakehergoodwillcomeofit。”
　　“Itislikethee，Asmund，alwaystomistrustthosewhospendtheirdaysinplottingforthyweal。Doasthouwilt：letErictakethistreasureofthine——forwhomearlswouldgivetheirstate——andlivetorueit。ButIsaythis：ifhehavethyleavetoroamherewithhisdovethematterwillsoongrow，forthesetwosickeneachtoeach，andyoungbloodishotandillatwaiting，anditisnotalwayssnow-time。
　　Sobetrothherorlethimgo。AndnowIhavesaid。”
　　“Thytonguerunstoofast。ThemanisquiteunprovedandIwilltryhim。To-morrowIwillwarnhimfrommydoor；thenthingsshallgoastheyarefated。Andnowpeace，forIwearyofthytalk，and，moreover，itisfalse；forthoulackestonething——alittlehonestytoseasonallthycraft。WhatfeehasOspakarpaidthee，Iwonder。Thouatleasthadstneverrefusedthegoldringto-night，forthouwouldstdomuchforgold。”
　　“Andmoreforlove，andmostofallforhate。”Groasaid，andlaughedaloud；nordidtheyspeakmoreonthismatterthatnight。
　　Now，earlyinthemorningAsmundrose，and，goingtothehall，awokeEric，whosleptbythecentrehearth，sayingthathewouldtalkwithhimwithout。ThenEricfollowedhimtothebackofthehall。
　　“Saynow，Eric。”hesaid，whentheystoodinthegreylightoutsidethehouse，“whowasittaughttheethatkisseskeepoutthecoldonsnowydays？“
　　NowEricreddenedtohisyellowhair，butheanswered：“Whowasittoldthee，lord，thatItriedthismedicine？“
　　“Thesnowhidesmuch，butthereareeyesthatcanpiercethesnow。
　　Nay，more，thouwastseen，andthere’sanend。Nowknowthis——Iliketheewell，butGudrudaisnotforthee；sheisfarabovethee，whoartbutadeedlessyeoman。”
　　“ThenIlovetonoend。”saidEric；“Ilongforonethingonly，andthatisGudruda。Itwasinmymindtoaskherinmarriageoftheeto-day。”
　　“Then，lad，thouhastthyanswerbeforethouaskest。Besureofonething：ifbutonceagainIfindtheealonewithGudruda，itismyaxeshallkisstheeandnotherlips。”
　　“Thatmayyetbeputtotheproof，lord。”saidEric，andturnedtoseekhishorse，whensuddenlyGudrudacameandstoodbetweenthem，andhisheartleaptatthesightofher。
　　“Listen，Gudruda。”Ericsaid。“Thisisthyfather’sword：thatwetwospeaktogethernomore。”
　　“Thenitisanillsayingforus。”saidGudruda，layingherhanduponherbreast。
　　“Sayinggoodorill，soitsurelyis，girl。”answeredAsmund。“Nomoreshaltthougoa-kissing，inthesnoworintheflowers。”
　　“NowIseemtohearSwanhild’svoice。”shesaid。“Well，suchthingshavehappenedtobetterfolk，andafather’swishistoamaidwhatthewindistothegrass。Still，thesunisbehindthecloudanditwillshineagainsomeday。Tillthen，Eric，faretheewell！“
　　“Itisnotthywill，lord。”saidEric，“thatIshouldcometothyYule-feastasthouhastaskedmethesetenyearspast？“
　　NowAsmundgrewwroth，andpointedwithhishandtowardsthegreatGoldenFallsthatthunderdownthemountainnamedStonefellthatisbehindMiddalhof，andtherearenogreaterwater-fallsinIceland。
　　“Amanmaytaketworoads，Eric，fromColdbacktoMiddalhof，onebythebridle-pathoverColdbackandtheotherdownGoldenFalls；butI
　　neverknewtravellertochoosethisway。Now，IbidtheetomyfeastbythepathoverGoldenFalls；and，ifthoucomestthatway，Ipromisetheethis：ifthoulivestIwillgreettheewell，andifIfindtheedeadinthegreatpoolIwillbindonthyHell-shoesandlaytheetoearthneighbourlyfashion。Butifthoucomestbyanyotherpath，thenmythrallsshallcuttheedownatmydoor。”Andhestrokedhisbeardandlaughed。
　　NowAsmundspokethusmockinglybecausehedidnotthinkitpossiblethatanymanshouldtrythepathoftheGoldenFalls。
　　Ericsmiledandsaid，“Iholdtheetothyword，lord；perhapsIshallbethyguestatYule。”
　　ButGudrudaheardthethunderofthemightyFallsasthewindturned，andcried“Nay，nay——itwerethydeath！“
　　ThenEricfindshishorseandridesawayacrossthesnow。
　　NowitmustbetoldofKolltheHalf-wittedthatatlengthhecametoSwinefellinthenorth，havingjourneyedhardacrossthesnow。HereOspakarBlacktoothhadhisgreathall，inwhichdaybydayahundredmensatdowntomeat。NowKollenteredthehallwhenOspakarwasatsupper，andlookedathimwithbigeyes，forhehadneverseensowonderfulaman。Hewashugeinstature——hishairwasblack，andblackhisbeard，andonhislowerliptherelayagreatblackfang。Hiseyesweresmallandnarrow，buthischeekbonesweresetwideapartandhigh，likethoseofahorse。Kollthoughthimanillmantodealwithandhalfatroll，[*]andgrewafraidofhiserrand，sinceinKoll’shalf-wittednesstherewasmuchcunning——foritwasacloakinwhichhewrappedhimself。ButasOspakarsatinthehighseat，clothedinapurplerobe，withhisswordWhitefireonhisknee，hesawKoll，andcalledoutinagreatvoice：
　　[*]Anable-bodiedGoblin。
　　“Whoisthisredfoxthatcreepsintomyearth？“
　　For，tolookat，Kollwasverylikeafox。
　　“MynameisKolltheHalf-witted，Groa’sthrall，lord。AmIwelcomehere？“heanswered。
　　“Thatisasitmaybe。Whydotheycalltheehalf-witted？“
　　“BecauseIlovenotworkovermuch，lord。”
　　“Thenallmythrallsarefellowtothee。Say，whatbringstheehere？“
　　“Thislord。ItwastoldamongmendowninthesouththatthouwouldstgiveagoodgifttohimwhoshoulddiscovertotheethefairestmaidinIceland。SoIaskedleaveofmymistresstocomeonajourneyandtelltheeofher。”
　　“Thenaliewastoldthee。Still，Ilovetohearoffairmaids，andseekoneforawifeifshebebutfairenough。Sospeakon，KolltheFox，andlienottome，Iwarnthee，elseIwillknockwhatwitsarelefttherefromthatredheadofthine。”
　　SoKolltookupthetaleandgreatlybepraisedGudruda’sbeauty；norintruth，forallhistalk，couldhepraiseittoomuch。Hetoldofherdarkeyesandthewhitenessofherskin，ofthenoblenessofhershapeandthegoldofherhair，ofherwitandgentleness，tillatlengthOspakargrewafiretoseethisflowerofmaids。
　　“ByThor，thouKoll。”hesaid，“ifthegirlbebuthalfofwhatthousayest，herluckisgood，forsheshallbewifetoOspakar。Butifthouhastliedtomeabouther，beware！forsoonthereshallbeaknavethelessinIceland。”
　　NowamanroseinthehallandsaidthatKollspoketruth，forhehadseenGudrudatheFair，Asmund’sdaughter，andtherewasnomaidlikeherinIceland。
　　“Iwilldothisnow。”saidBlacktooth。“To-morrowIwillsendamessengertoMiddalhof，sayingtoAsmundthePriestthatIpurposetovisithimatthetimeoftheYule-feast；thenIshallseeifthegirlpleasesme。Meanwhile，Koll，takethouaseatamongthethralls，andhereissomethingforthypains。”andhetookoffthepurplecloakandthrewittohim。
　　“Thankstothee，Gold-scatterer。”saidKoll。“ItiswisetogosoontoMiddalhof，forsuchabloomasthismaiddoesnotlackabee。Thereisayounglinginthesouth，namedEricBrighteyes，wholovesGudruda，andshe，Ithink，loveshim，thoughheisbutayeomanofsmallwealthandisonlytwenty-fiveyearsold。”
　　“Ho！ho！“laughedgreatOspakar，“andIamforty-five。Butletnotthissucklingcrossmydesire，lestmencallhimEricHolloweyes！“
　　NowthemessengerofOspakarcametoMiddalhof，andhiswordspleasedAsmundandhemadereadyagreatfeast。AndSwanhildsmiled，butGudrudawasafraid。
　　IV
　　HOWERICCAMEDOWNGOLDENFALLS
　　NowOspakarrodeuptoMiddalhofonthedaybeforetheYule-feast。Hewassplendidlyapparelled，andwithhimcamehistwosons，GizurtheLawmanandMord，youngmenofpromise，andmanyarmedthrallsandservants。Gudruda，watchingatthewomen’sdoor，sawhisfaceinthemoonlightandloathedhim。
　　“Whatthinkestthouofhimwhocomestoseektheeinmarriage，foster-
　　sister？“askedSwanhild，watchingatherside。
　　“Ithinkheislikeatroll，andthat，seekashewill，heshallnotfindme。IhadratherlieinthepoolbeneathGoldenFallsthaninOspakar’shall。”
　　“Thatshallbeproved。”saidSwanhild。“Attheleastheisrichandnoble，andthegreatestofmeninsize。ItwouldgohardwithEricwerethosearmsabouthim。”
　　“Iamnotsosureofthat。”saidGudruda；“butitisnotlikelytobeknown。”
　　“ComesErictothefeastbytheroadofGoldenFalls，Gudruda？“
　　“Nay，nomanmaytrythatpathandlive。”
　　“Thenhewilldie，forEricwillriskit。”
　　NowGudrudathought，andagreatfireburnedinherheartandshonethroughhereyes。“IfEricdies。”shesaid，“ontheebehisblood，Swanhild——ontheeandthatdarkmotherofthine，foryehaveplottedtobringthisevilonus。HowhaveIharmedtheethatthoushouldstdealthuswithme？“
　　Swanhildturnedwhiteandwicked-looking，forpassionmasteredher，andshegazedintoGudruda’sfaceandanswered：“Howhastthouharmedme？SurelyIwilltellthee。ThybeautyhasrobbedmeofEric’slove。”
　　“ItwouldbebettertoprateofEric’slovewhenhehadtolditthee，Swanhild。”
　　“ThouhastrobbedmeandthereforeIhatethee，andthereforeIwilldelivertheetoOspakar，whomthoudostloath——ayandyetwinBrighteyestomyself。AmInotalsofairandcanInotalsolove，andshallIseetheesnatchmyjoy？BytheGods，never！Iwillseetheedead，andEricwiththee，ereitshallbeso！butfirstIwillseetheeshamed！“
　　“Thywordsareill-suitedtoamaiden’slips，Swanhild！Butofthisbesure：Ifeartheenot，andshallneverfearthee。AndonethingIknowwellthat，whetherthouorIprevail，intheendthoushaltharvestthegreatestshame，andintimestocomemenshallspeakoftheewithhatredandnametheebyillnames。Moreover，Ericshallneverlovethee；fromyeartoyearheshallhatetheewithadeeperhate，thoughitmaywellbethatthouwiltbringruinonhim。AndnowIthanktheethatthouhasttoldmeallthymind，showingmewhatindeedthouart！“
　　AndGudrudaturnedscornfullyuponherheelandwalkedaway。
　　NowAsmundthePriestwentoutintothecourtyard，andmeetingOspakarBlacktooth，greetedhimheartily，thoughhedidnotlikehislooks，andtookhimbythehandandledhimtothehall，thatwasbravelydeckedwithtapestries，andseatedhimbyhissideonthehighseat。
　　AndOspakar’sthrallsbroughtgoodgiftsforAsmund，whothankedthegiverwell。
　　Nowitwassuppertime，andGudrudacamein，andafterherwalkedSwanhild。OspakargazedhardatGudrudaandagreatdesireenteredintohimtomakeherhiswife。Butshepassedcoldlyby，norlookedonhimatall。
　　“This，then，isthatmaidofthineofwhomIhaveheardtell，Asmund？
　　Iwillsaythis：fairerwasneverbornofwoman。”