Thenagainshemovedaboutthehall，makingallthingsreadyforthefeast。Butatmidnight，whenthelightwaslowandfolkslept，Groarose，and，veiledinablackrobe，withabasketinherhand，passedlikeashadowthroughthemiststhathangabouttheriver’sedge，andinsilence，alwayslookingbehindher，likeonewhofearsahiddenfoe，culledflowersofnoisomeplantsthatgrowinthemarsh。Herbasketbeingfilled，shepassedroundthesteadtoahiddendelluponthemountainside。Hereamanstoodwaiting，andnearhimburnedafireofturf。Inhishandheheldaniron-pot。ItwasKolltheHalf-
　　witted，Groa’sthrall。
　　“Areallthingsready，Koll？“shesaid。
　　“Yes。”heanswered；“butIlikenotthesetasksofthine，mistress。
　　Saynow，whatwouldstthoudowiththefireandthepot？“
　　“This，then，Koll。Iwouldbrewalove-potionforAsmundthePriestashehasbiddenmetodo。”
　　“Ihavedonemanyanilldeedforthee，mistress，butofallofthemI
　　lovethistheleast。”saidthethrall，doubtfully。
　　“Ihavedonemanyagooddeedforthee，Koll。ItwasIwhosavedtheefromtheDoom-stone，seemingtoprovetheeinnocent——ay，evenwhenthybackwasstretchedonit，becausethouhadstslainamaninhissleep。
　　Isitnotso？“
　　“Yea，mistress。”
　　“Andyetthouwastguilty，Koll。AndIhavegiventheemanygoodgifts，isitnotso？“
　　“Yes，itisso。”
　　“Listenthen：servemethisonceandIwillgivetheeonelastgift——
　　thyfreedom，andwithittwohundredinsilver。”
　　Koll’seyesglistened。“WhatmustIdo，mistress？“
　　“To-dayatthewedding-feastitwillbethyparttopourthecupswhileAsmundcallsthetoasts。Lastofall，whenmenaremerry，thouwiltmixthatcupinwhichAsmundshallpledgeUnnahiswifeandUnnamustpledgeAsmund。Now，whenthouhastpoured，thoushaltpassthecuptome，asIstandatthefootofthehighseat，waitingtogivethebridegreetingonbehalfoftheserving-womenofthehousehold。
　　Thoushalthandthecuptomeasthoughinerror，andthatisbutalittlethingtoaskofthee。”
　　“Alittlethingindeed。”saidKoll，staringather，andpullingwithhishandathisredhair，“yetIlikeitnot。WhatifIsayno，mistress？“
　　“SaynoorspeakofthisandIwillpromisetheeonethingonly，thouknave，anditis，beforewintercomes，thatthecrowsshallpickthybones！Now，braveme，ifthoudarest。”andstraightwayGroabegantomuttersomewitch-words。
　　“Nay。”saidKoll，holdinguphishandasthoughtowardawayablow。
　　“Cursemenot：Iwilldoasthouwilt。ButwhenshallItouchthetwohundredinsilver？“
　　“Iwillgivetheehalfbeforethefeastbegins，andhalfwhenitisended，andwithitfreedomtogowherethouwilt。Andnowleaveme，andonthylifeseethatthoufailmenot。”
　　“Ihaveneverfailedtheeyet。”saidKoll，andwenthisways。
　　NowGroasetthepotuponthefire，and，placinginittheherbsthatshehadgathered，pouredwateronthem。Presentlytheybegantoboilandastheyboiledshestirredthemwithapeeledstickandmutteredspellsoverthem。Forlongshesatinthatdimandlonelyplacestirringthepotandmutteringspells，tillatlengththebrewwasdone。
　　Sheliftedthepotfromthefireandsmeltatit。Thendrawingaphialfromherrobeshepouredouttheliquorandheldittothesky。Thewitch-waterwaswhiteasmilk，butpresentlyitgrewclear。Shelookedatit，thensmiledevilly。
　　“Hereisalove-draughtforaqueen——ah，alove-draughtforaqueen！“
　　shesaid，and，stillsmiling，sheplacedthephialinherbreast。
　　Then，havingscatteredthefirewithherfoot，Groatookthepotandthrewitintoadeeppoolofwater，whereitcouldnotbefoundreadily，andcreptbacktothesteadbeforemenwereawake。
　　Nowthedayworeonandallthecompanyweregatheredatthemarriage-
　　feasttothenumberofnearlytwohundred。Unnasatinthehighseat，andmenthoughtherabonnybride，andbyhersidesatAsmundthePriest。Hewasahale，strongmantolookon，thoughhehadseensomethree-scorewinters；buthismienwassad，andhisheartheavy。Hedrankcupaftercuptocheerhim，butallwithoutavail。ForhisthoughtspedbackacrosstheyearsandoncemoreheseemedtoseethefaceofGudrudatheGentleasshelaydying，andtohearhervoicewhensheforetoldeviltohimifhehadaughttodowithGroatheWitch-wife。Andnowitseemedtohimthattheevilwasathand，thoughwhenceitshouldcomeheknewnot。Helookedup。ThereGroamovedalongthehall，ministeringtotheguests；buthesawasshemovedthathereyeswerealwaysfixed，nowonhimandnowonUnna。HerememberedthatcursealsowhichGroahadcalleddownuponhimwhenhehadtoldherthathewasbetrothedtoUnna，andhisheartgrewcoldwithfear。“NowIwillchangemycounsel。”Asmundsaidtohimself：
　　“Groashallnotstayhereinthisstead，forIwilllooknolongeronthatdarkfaceofhers。Shegoeshenceto-morrow。”
　　NotfarfromAsmundsatBj？rn，hisson。AsGudrudatheFair，hissister，broughthimmeadhecaughtherbythesleeve，whisperinginherear。“Methinksourfatherissad。Whatweighsuponhisheart？“
　　“Iknownot。”saidGudruda，butasshespokeshelookedfirstonAsmund，thenatGroa。
　　“ItisillthatGroashouldstophere。”whisperedBj？rnagain。
　　“Itisill。”answeredGudruda，andglidedaway。
　　Asmundsawtheirtalkandguesseditspurport。RousinghimselfhelaughedaloudandcalledtoKolltheHalf-wittedtopourthecupsthathemightnamethetoasts。
　　Kollfilled，and，asAsmundcalledthetoastsonebyone，Kollhandedthecupstohim。Asmunddrankdeepofeach，tillatlengthhissorrowpassedfromhim，and，togetherwithallwhosatthere，hegrewmerry。
　　Lastofallcamethetoastofthebride’scup。ButbeforeAsmundcalledit，thewomenofthehouseholddrewnearthehighseattowelcomeUnna，whensheshouldhavedrunk。Gudrudastoodforemost，andGroawasnexttoher。
　　NowKollfilledasbefore，anditwasagreatcupofgoldthathefilled。
　　Asmundrosetocallthetoast，andwithhimallwhowereinthehall。
　　Kollbroughtupthecup，andhandedit，nottoAsmund，buttoGroa；
　　buttherewerefewwhonotedthis，forallwerelisteningtoAsmund’stoastandmostoftheguestsweresomewhatdrunken。
　　“Thecup。”criedAsmund——“givemethecupthatImaydrink。”
　　ThenGroastartedforward，andasshedidsosheseemedtostumble，sothatforamomentherrobecoveredupthegreatbride-cup。Thenshegatheredherselftogetherslowly，and，smiling，passedupthecup。
　　Asmundliftedittohislipsanddrankdeep。ThenheturnedandgaveittoUnnahiswife，butbeforeshedrankhekissedheronthelips。
　　Nowwhileallmenshoutedsuchawelcomethatthehallshook，andasUnna，smiling，drankfromthecup，theeyesofAsmundfelluponGroawhostoodbeneathhim，andlo！hereyesseemedtoflameandherfacewashideousasthefaceofatroll。
　　Asmundgrewwhiteandputhishandtohishead，asthoughtothink，thencriedaloud：
　　“Drinknot，Unna！thedraughtisdrugged！“andhestruckatthevesselwithhishand。
　　Hesmoteitindeed，andsohardthatitflewfromherhandfardownthehall。
　　ButUnnahadalreadydrunkdeep。
　　“Thedraughtisdrugged！“Asmundcried，andpointedtoGroa，whileallmenstoodsilent，notknowingwhattodo。
　　“Thedraughtisdrugged！“hecriedathirdtime，“andthatwitchhasdruggedit！“Andhebegantotearathisbreast。
　　ThenGroalaughedsoshrillythatmentrembledtohearher。
　　“Yes，lord。”shescreamed，“thedraughtisdrugged，andGroatheWitch-wifehathdruggedit！Ay，tearthyheartout，Asmund，andUnna，growthouwhiteassnow——soon，ifmymedicinehasvirtue，thoushaltbewhiteryet！Hearkenallmen。AsmundthePriestisSwanhild’sfather，andformanyayearIhavebeenAsmund’smate。WhatdidItellthee，lord？——thatIwouldseethetwoofyoudeadereUnnashouldtakemyplace！——ay，andonGudrudatheFair，thydaughter，andBj？rnthyson，andEricBrighteyes，Gudruda’slove，andmanyanotherman——onthemtooshallmycursefall！Tearthyheartout，Asmund！Unna，growthouwhiteassnow！ThedraughtisdruggedandGroa，Ran’sgift！GroatheWitch-Wife！Groa，Asmund’slove！hathdruggedit！“
　　AndereeveramanmightliftahandtostayherGroaglidedpastthehighseatandwasgone。
　　Foraspaceallstoodsilent。Asmundceasedclutchingathisbreast。
　　Risinghespokeheavily：
　　“NowIlearnthatsinisastonetosmitehimwhohurledit。GudrudatheGentlespokesoothwhenshewarnedmeagainstthiswoman。/Newwed，newdead！/Unna，faretheewell！“
　　AndstraightwayAsmundfelldownanddiedtherebythehighseatinhisownhall。
　　Unnagazedathimwithashenface。Then，pluckingatherbosomshesprangfromthedaisandrushedalongthehall，screaming。Menmadewayforher，andatthedoorshealsofelldead。
　　ThisthenwastheendofAsmundAsmundsonthePriest，andUnna，Thorod’sdaughter，Eric’scousin，hisnew-madewife。
　　Foramomenttherewassilenceinthehall。ButbeforetheechoesofUnna’sscreamshaddiedaway，Bj？rncriedaloud：
　　“Thewitch！whereisthewitch？“
　　Thenwithayellofrage，menleapedtotheirfeet，seizingtheirweapons，andrushedfromthestead。Outtheyran。There，onthehill-
　　sidefarabovethem，ablackshapeclimbedandleaptswiftly。Theygavetonguelikedogssetuponawolfandspedupthehill。
　　Theygainedthecrestofthehill，andnowtheywereatGoldfossbrink。Lo！thewitch-wifehadcrossedthebedofthetorrent，forlittlerainhadfallenandtheriverwaslow。ShestoodonSheep-
　　saddle，thewaterrunningfromherrobes。OnSheep-saddleshestoodandcursedthem。
　　Bj？rntookabowandsetashaftuponthestring。Hedrewitandthearrowsungthroughtheairandsmoteher，speedingthroughherheart。
　　WithacryGroathrewupherarms。
　　Thendownsheplunged。ShefellonWolf’sFang，whereEriconcehadstoodand，bouncingthence，rushedtotheboilingdeepsbelowandwasnomoreseenforever。
　　Thus，then，didAsmundthePriestwedUnna，Thorod’sdaughter，andthiswastheendofthefeasting。
　　ThereafterBj？rn，Asmund’sson，ruledatMiddalhof，andwasPriestinhisplace。HesoughtforKolltheHalf-wittedtokillhim，butKolltookthefells，andaftermanymonthshefoundpassageinashipthatwasboundforScotland。
　　NowBj？rnwasahardmanandagreedy。HewasnofriendtoEricBrighteyes，andalwayspresseditonGudrudathatsheshouldwedOspakarBlacktooth。ButtothiscounselGudrudawouldnotlisten，fordayandnightshethoughtuponherlove。NextsummertherecametidingsthatEricwassafeinIreland，andmenspokeofhisdeeds，andofhowheandSkallagrimhadswepttheshipofOspakarsingle-handed。
　　Nowafterthesetidings，forawhileGudrudawalkedsingingthroughthemeads，andnoflowerthatgrewinthemwashalfsofairasshe。
　　ThatsummeralsoOspakarBlacktoothmetBj？rn，Asmund’sson，attheThing，andtheytalkedmuchtogetherinsecret。
　　XVIII
　　HOWEARLATLIFOUNDERICANDSKALLAGRIMONTHE
　　SOUTHERNROCKSOFSTRAUMEYISLE
　　Swanhild，robedinwhite，asthoughnewrisenfromsleep，stood，candleinhand，bythebedofAtlitheEarl，herlord，crying“Awake！“
　　“Whatpassesnow？“saidAtli，liftinghimselfuponhisarm。“Whatpasses，Swanhild，andwhydostthoueverwanderaloneatnights，lookingsostrangely？Ilovenotthydarkwitch-ways，Swanhild，andI
　　waswedtotheeinanillhour，wifewhoartnowife。”
　　“Inanillhourindeed，EarlAtli。”sheanswered，“anillhourfortheeandme，for，asthouhastsaid，eldandyoutharestrangeyokefellowsandpulldifferentpaths。Arisenow，Earl，forIhavedreamedadream。”
　　“Tellittomeonthemorrow，then。”quothAtli；“thereissmalljoyousnessinthydreams，thatalwayspointtoevil，andImustbearenougheviloflate。”
　　“Nay，lord，myredemaynotbeputasideso。Listennow：IhavedreamedthatagreatdragonofwarhasbeencastawayuponStraumey’ssouth-westernrocks。Thecriesofthosewhodrownedranginmyears。
　　ButIthoughtthatsomecamelivingtotheshore，andlietheresenseless，toperishofthecold。Arise，therefore，takemenandgodowntotherocks。”
　　“Iwillgoatdaybreak。”saidAtli，lettinghisheadfalluponthepillow。“Ihavelittlefaithinsuchvisions，anditistoolateforshipsofwartotrythepassageoftheFirth。”
　　“Arise，Isay。”answeredSwanhildsternly，“anddomybidding，elseI
　　willmyselfgotosearchtherocks。”
　　ThenAtlirosegrumbling，andshooktheheavysleepfromhiseyes：forofalllivingfolkhemostfearedSwanhildhiswife。Hedonnedhisgarments，threwathickcloakabouthim，and，goingtothehallwheremensnoredaroundthedyingfires，forthenightwasbitter，heawokesomeofthem。NowamongthosemenwhomhecalledwasHallofLithdale，Hallthematewhohadcutthegrapnel-chain。ForthisHall，fearingtoreturntoIceland，hadcomehithersayingthathehadbeenwoundedoffFareys，inthegreatfightbetweenEricandOspakar’smen，andlefttheretogrowwellofhishurtordie。ThenAtli，notknowingthatthecarlelied，hadbidhimwelcomeforEric’ssake，forhestilllovedEricaboveallmen。
　　ButHalllovednotlabourandnightfaringstosearchforshipwreckedmenofwhomtheLadySwanhildhadchancedtodream。Soheturnedhimselfuponhissideandsleptagain。Still，certainofAtli’sfolkroseathisbidding，andtheywenttogetherdowntothesouth-westernrocks。
　　ButSwanhild，acloakthrownoverhernight-gear，satherselfinthehighseatofthehallandfixinghereyes，nowuponthedyingfiresandnowupontheblood-marksinherarm，waitedinsilence。Thenightwascoldandwindy，butthemoonshonebright，andbyitslightAtliandhispeoplemadetheirwaytothesouth-westernrocks，onwhichtheseabeatmadly。
　　“Whatliesyonder？“saidAtli，pointingtosomeblackthingsthatlaybeneaththemupontherock，casttherebythewaves。Amanclimbeddownthecliff’ssidethatishereasthoughitwerecutinsteps，andthencriedaloud：
　　“Aship’smast，newbroken，lord。”
　　“ItseemsthatSwanhilddreamstrue。”mutteredAtli；“butIamsureofthis：thatnonehavecomeashorealiveinsuchasea。”
　　Presentlythemanwhosearchedtherocksbelowcriedaloudagain：
　　“Herelietwogreatmen，lockedineachother’sarms。Theyseemtobedead。”
　　Nowallthemenclimbdowntheslipperyrocksasbesttheymay，thoughthespraywetsthem，andwiththemgoesAtli。TheEarlisabriskman，thougholdinyears，andhecomesfirsttowherethetwolie。Hewhowasundermostlayuponhisback，buthisfaceishidbythethickgoldenhairthatflowedacrossit。
　　“Man’sbodyindeed，butwoman’slocks。”saidAtliasheputouthishandanddrewthehairaway，sothatthelightofthemoonfellonthefacebeneath。
　　Helooked，thenstaggeredbackagainsttherock。
　　“ByThor！“hecried，“hereliesthecorpseofEricBrighteyes！“andAtliwrunghishandsandwept，forhelovedEricmuch。
　　“Benotsosurethatthemenaredead，Earl。”saidone，“IthoughtI
　　sawyongreatcarlemovebutnow。”
　　“HeisSkallagrimLambstail，Eric’sDeath-shadow。”saidAtliagain。
　　“Upwiththem，lads——see，yonderliesaplank——andawaytothehall。I
　　willgivetwentyinsilvertoeachofyouifEriclives。”andheunclaspedhiscloakandthrewitoverbothofthem。
　　Thenwithmuchlabourtheyloosedthegripofthetwomenonefromtheother，andtheysetSkallagrimontheplank。ButeightmenboreEricupthecliffbetweenthem，andthetaskwasnotlight，thoughtheEarlheldhishead，fromwhichthegoldenhairhunglikeseaweedfromarock。
　　Atlengththeycametothehallandcarriedthemin。Swanhild，seeingthemcome，moveddownfromthehighseat。
　　“Bringlamps，andpileupthefires。”criedAtli。“Astrangethinghascometopass，Swanhild，andthoudostdreamwisely，indeed，forherewehaveEricBrighteyesandSkallagrimLambstail。Theywerelockedlikeloversineachother’sarms，butIknownotiftheyaredeadorliving。”
　　NowSwanhildstartedandcameonswiftly。HadtheFamiliartrickedherandhadshepaidthepricefornothing？WasErictakenfromGudrudaandgiventoherindeed——butgivendead？Shebentoverhim，gazingkeenlyonhisface。Thenshespoke。
　　“Heisnotdeadbutsenseless。Bringdryclothes，andmakewaterhot。”
　　and，kneelingdown，sheloosedEric’shelmandharnessandungirdedWhitefirefromhisside。
　　ForlongSwanhildandAtlitendedEricatonefire，andtheservingwomentendedSkallagrimattheother。PresentlytherecameacrythatSkallagrimstirred，andAtliwithothersrantosee。AtthismomentalsotheeyesofEricwereunsealed，andSwanhildsawthemlookingatherdimlyfrombeneath。Movedtoitbyherpassionandherjoythatheyetlived，Swanhildletherfacefalltillhiswashiddeninherunboundhair，andkissedhimuponthelips。Ericshuthiseyesagain，sighingheavily，andpresentlyhewasasleep。Theyborehimtoabedandheapedwarmwrappingsuponhim。Atdaybreakhewoke，andAtli，whosatwatchingathisside，gavehimhotmeadtodrink。
　　“DoIdream？“saidEric，“orisitEarlAtliwhotendsme，anddidI
　　butnowseethefaceofSwanhildbendingoverme？“
　　“Itisnodream，Eric，butthetruth。ThouhastbeencastawayhereonmyisleofStraumey。”
　　“AndSkallagrim——whereisSkallagrim？“
　　“Skallagrimlives——fearnot！“
　　“Andmycomrades，howwentitwiththem？“
　　“Butill，Eric。Ranhasthemall。Nowsleep！“
　　Ericgroanedaloud。“Ihadratherdiedalsothanlivetohearsuchheavytidings。”hesaid。“Witch-work！witch-work！andthatfairwitch-
　　facewroughtit。”Andonceagainheslept，nordidhewaketillthesunwashigh。ButAtlicouldmakenothingofhiswords。
　　WhenSwanhildleftthesideofEricshemetHallofLithdalefacetofaceandhislooksweretroubled。
　　“Say，lady。”heasked，“willBrighteyeslive？“
　　“Grievenot，Hall。”sheanswered，“Ericwillsurelyliveandhewillbegladtofindamessmateheretogreethim，havingleftsomanyyonder。”andshepointedtothesea。
　　“Ishallnotbeglad。”saidHall，lettinghiseyesfall。
　　“Whynot，Hall？FearestthouSkallagrim？orhastthoudoneillbyEric？“
　　“Ay，lady，IfearSkallagrim，forhesworetoslayme，andthatkindofpromiseheeverkeeps。Also，ifthetruthmustout，IhavenotdealtaltogetherwellwithEric，andofallmenIleastwishtotalkwithhim。”
　　“Speakon。”shesaid。
　　Then，beingforcedtoit，Halltoldhersomethingofthetaleofthecuttingofthecable，beingcarefultoputanothercolouronit。
　　“Nowitseemsthatthouartacoward，Hall。”Swanhildsaidwhenhehaddone，“andIscarcelylookedforthatinthee。”forshehadnotbeendeceivedbytheglozingofhisspeech。“ItwillbebadfortheetomeetEricandSkallagrim，andthisismycounsel：thatthougoesthencebeforetheywake，fortheywillsitthiswinterhereinAtli’shall。”
　　“AndwhithershallIgo，lady？“
　　Swanhildgazedonhim，andasshedidsoadarkthoughtcameintoherheart：herewasaknavewhomightserveherends。
　　“Hall。”shesaid，“thouartanIcelander，andIhaveknownoftheefromachild，andthereforeIwishtoservetheeinthystrait，thoughthoudeservestitlittle。Seenow，AtlitheEarlhasafarmonthemainlandnottwohours’ridefromthesea。Thitherthoushaltgo，ifthouartwise，andthoushaltsittherethiswinterandbehiddenfromEricandSkallagrim。Nay，thankmenot，butlisten：itmaychancethatIshallhaveaservicefortheetodobeforespringiscome。”
　　“Lady，Ishallwaituponthyword。”saidHall。
　　“Good。Now，sosoonasitislight，IwillfindamantosailwiththeeacrosstheFirth，fortheseafalls，andbearmymessagetothestewardatAtli’sfarm。Alsoifthouneedestfaring-moneythoushalthaveit。Farewell。”
　　ThusthendidHallflybeforeEricandSkallagrim。
　　OnthemorrowEricandSkallagrimarose，sickandbruisedindeed，butnotatallharmed，andwentdowntotheshore。Theretheyfoundmanydeadmenoftheircompany，butneveraoneinwhomthebreathofliferemained。
　　SkallagrimlookedatEricandspoke：“Lastnightthemistcameupagainstthewind：lastnightwesawSwanhild’swraithuponthewaves，andthereisthepathitshowed，andthere“——andhepointedtothedeadmen——“isthewitch-seed’sflower。Nowto-daywesitinAtli’shallandherewemuststaythiswinteratSwanhild’sside，andinallthisthereliesariddlethatIcannotread。”
　　ButEricshookhishead，makingnoanswer。Then，leavingSkallagrimwiththedead，heturned，andstridingbackalonetowardsthehall，satdownonarockinthehomemeadowsand，coveringhisfacewithhishands，weptforhiscomrades。
　　AsheweptSwanhildcametohim，forshehadseenhimfromafar，andtouchedhimgentlyonthearm。
　　“Whyweepestthou，Eric？“shesaid。
　　“Iweepforthedead，Swanhild。”heanswered。
　　“Weepnotforthedead——theyareatpeace；ifthoumustweep，weepfortheliving。Nay，weepnotatall；rejoiceratherthatthouartheretomourn。Hastthounowordofgreetingformewhohavenotheardthyvoicethesemanymonths？“
　　“HowshallIgreetthee，Swanhild，whowouldneverhaveseenthyfaceagainifImighthavehadmywill？Knowestthouthatyesternight，aswelabouredinyonderFirth，wesawashapewalkingthewaterstoleadustoourdoom？HowshallIgreetthee，Swanhild，whoartawitchandevil？“
　　“Andknowestthou，Eric，thatyesternightIwokefromsleep，havingdreamedthatthoudidstlieupontheshore，andthusIsavedtheealive，asperchanceIhavesavedtheeaforetime？Ifthoudidstseeashapewalkingthewatersitwasthatshapewhichledtheehere。Hadstthousailedon，notonlythosethoumournest，butSkallagrimandthouthyselfhadnowbeennumberedwiththelost。”
　　“Bettersothanthus。”saidBrighteyes。“Knowestthoualso，Swanhild，thatwhenlastnightmylifecamebackagaininAtli’shall，methoughtthatAtli’swifeleanedovermeandkissedmeonthelips？Thatwasanilldream，Swanhild。”
　　“Somehadfounditnonesoill，Eric。”shemadeanswer，lookingonhimstrangely。“Still，itwasbutadream。ThoudidstdreamthatAtli’swifebreathedbackthebreathoflifeintothypalelips——besureofitthoudidstbutdream。Ah，Eric，fearmenomore；forgettheevilthatIhavewroughtintheblindnessandfollyofmyyouth。Nowthingsareotherwisewithme。NowIamaweddedwifeandfaithfulheartedtomylord。Now，ifIstilllovethee，itiswithasister’slove。
　　Thereforeforgetmysins，rememberonlythataschildrenweplayedupontheIcelandfells。Rememberthat，asboyandgirl，werodealongthemarshes，whilethesea-mewsclamouredroundourheads。Theworldiscold，Eric，andfewarethefriendswefindinit；manyarealreadygone，andsoonthefriendlessdarkdrawsnear。Soputmenotaway，mybrotherandmyfriend；but，foralittlespace，whilstthouarthereinAtli’shall，letuswalkhandinhandaswewalkedlongyearsagoinIceland，gatheringupthefifa-bloom，andwatchingthemidnightshadowscreepuptheicyj？kul’screst。”
　　ThusSwanhildspoketohimmostsweetly，inalowvoiceofmusic，whilethetearsgatheredinhereyes，talkingeverofIcelandthatheloved，andofdayslongdead，tillEric’sheartsoftenedinhim。
　　“AlmostdoIbelievethee，Swanhild。”hesaid，stretchingouthishand；“butIknowthus：thatthouartnevertwiceinthesamemood，andthatisbeyondmymeasuring。Thouhastdonemuchevilandthouhaststriventodomore；alsoIlovenotthosewhoseemtowalktheseaso’nights。Still，holdthoutothislastsayingofthineandthereshallbepeacebetweenuswhileIbidehere。”
　　Shetouchedhishandhumblyandturnedtogo。ButasshewentEricspokeagain：“Say，Swanhild，hastthoutidingsfromIcelandyonder？I
　　haveheardnowordofAsmundorofGudrudafortwolongyearsandmore。”
　　Shestoodstill，andadarkshadowthathecouldnotseeflittedacrossherface。
　　“Ihavefewtidings，Eric。”shesaid，turning，“andthosefew，ifI
　　maytrustthem，badenough。ForthisistherumourthatIhaveheard：
　　thatAsmundthePriest，myfather，isdead；thatGroa，mymother，isdead——how，Iknownot；and，lastly，thatGudrudatheFair，thylove，isbetrothedtoOspakarBlacktoothandwedshiminthespring。”
　　NowEricsprangupwithanoathandgraspedthehiltofWhitefire。
　　Thenhesatdownagainuponthestoneandcoveredhisfacewithhishands。
　　“Grievenot，Eric。”shesaidgently；“Iputnofaithinthisnews，forrumour，liketheblack-backedgull，oftenchangescolourinitsflightacrosstheseas。AlsoIhaditbutatfifthhand。Iamsureofthis，atleast，thatGudrudawillneverforsaketheewithoutacause。”
　　“ItshallgoillwithOspakarifthisbetrue。”saidEric，smilinggrimly，“forWhitefireisyetleftmeandwithitonetruefriend。”
　　“Runnottomeettheevil，Eric。ThoushaltcometoIcelandwiththesummerflowersandfindGudrudafaithfulandyetfairerthanofyore。
　　KnowestthouthatHallofLithdale，whowasthymate，hassatherethesetwomonths？Heisgonebutthismorning，Iknownotwhither，leavingamessagethathereturnsnomore。”
　　“Hedidwelltogo。”saidEric，andhetoldherhowHallhadcutthecable。
　　“Ay，wellindeed。”answeredSwanhild。“HadAtliknownthishewouldhavescourgedHallhencewithrodsofseaweed。Andnow，Eric，Idesiretoasktheeonemorething：whywearestthouthyhairlonglikeawoman’s？Indeed，fewwomenhavesuchhairasthineisnow。”
　　“Forthiscause，Swanhild：IsworetoGudrudathatnoneshouldcutmyhairtillshecutitoncemore。Itisagreatburdentomesurely，forneverdidhairgrowsofastandstrongasmine，andonceinafrayI
　　washeldfastbyitandwentneartothelosingofmylife。Still，I
　　willkeeptheoathevenifitgrowsontomyfeet。”andhelaughedalittleandshookbackhisgoldenlocks。
　　Swanhildsmiledalsoand，turning，went。Butwhenherfacewashiddenfromhimshesmilednomore。
　　“AsIlive。”shesaidinherheart，“beforespringrainsfallIagainwillcausetheetobreakthisoath，Eric。Ay，Iwillcutalockofthatbrighthairofthineandsenditforalove-tokentoGudruda。”
　　ButEricstillsatupontherockthinking。Swanhildhadsetanevilseedofdoubtinhisheart，andalreadyitputforthroots。Whatifthetaleweretrue？WhatifGudrudahadgivenherselftoOspakar？
　　Well，ifso——sheshouldsoonbeawidow，thatheswore。
　　Thenherose，andstalkedgrimlytowardsthehall。
　　XIX
　　HOWKOLLTHEHALF-WITTEDBROUGHTTIDINGSFROMICELAND
　　PresentlyasEricwalkedhemetAtlitheEarlseekinghim。Atligreetedhim。
　　“Ihaveseenstrangethings，Eric。”hesaid，“butnonemorestrangethanthiscomingofthineandthemannerofit。Swanhildisforesighted，andthatwasadoom-dreamofhers。”
　　“Ithinkherforesightedalso。”saidEric。“Andnow，Earl，knowestthouthis：thatlittlegoodcancometotheeatthehandsofonewhomthouhastsavedfromthesea。”
　　“Isetnofaithinsucholdwives’tales。”answeredAtli。“Herethouartcome，anditismywillthatthoushouldestsithere。Attheleast，Iwillgivetheenohelptogohence。”
　　“ThenwemustbideinStraumey，itseems。”saidEric：“forofallmygoodsandgearthisaloneisleftme。”andhelookedatWhitefire。
　　“Thouhaststillagoldringortwouponthyarm。”answeredtheEarl，laughing。“Butsurely，Eric，thouwouldstnotbegone？“
　　“Iknownot，Earl。Listen：itiswellthatIshouldbeplainwiththee。Once，beforethoudidstwedSwanhild，shehadanothermind。”
　　“Ihaveheardsomethingofthat，andIhaveguessedmore，Brighteyes；
　　butmethinksSwanhildislittlegiventogaddingnow。Sheisascoldasice，andnogoodwifeforanyman。”andAtlisighed，“’Snowmeltsnotifsunshinesnot，’sorunsthesaw。Thouartanhonestman，Eric，andnowhispererintheearsofothers’wives。”
　　“Iamnotmindedindeedtodotheesuchharm，Earl，butthisthouknowest：thatwoman’sguileandbeautyareswordsfewshieldscanbrook。NowIhavespoken——andtheyarehardwordstospeak——beitasthouwilt。”
　　“Itismywillthatthoushouldestsitherethiswinter，Eric。HadI
　　myway，indeed，neverwouldestthousitelsewhere。Listen：thingshavenotgonewellwithmeoflate。Agehathagripofme，andfoesriseupagainstonewhohasnosons。Thatwasanillmarriage，too，whichI
　　madewithSwanhildyonder：forshelovesmenot，andIhavefoundnolucksincefirstIsawherface。Moreover，itisinmymindthatmydaysarealmostsped。Swanhildhasalreadyforetoldmydeath，and，asthouknowestwell，sheisforesighted。SoIpraythee，Eric，bidethouherewhilethoumayest，forIwouldhavetheeatmyside。”
　　“Itshallbeasthouwilt，Earl。”saidEric。
　　SoEricBrighteyesandSkallagrimLambstailsatthatwinterinthehallofAtlitheEarlatStraumey。FormanyweeksallthingswentwellandEricforgothisfears。Swanhildwasgentletohimandkindly。Shelovedmuchtotalkwithhim，evenofGudrudaherrival；butnowordoflovepassedherlips。Nevertheless，shedidbutbidehertime，forwhenshestruckshedeterminedtostrikehome。AtliandEricwereeversidebyside，andEricgavetheEarlmuchgoodcounsel。Hepromisedtodothisalso，fornow，beingsimple-minded，hisdoubtshadpassedandhehadnomorefearofSwanhild。OnthemainlandlivedacertainchiefwhohadseizedlargelandsofAtli’s，andheldthemforayearormore。NowEricgavehiswordthat，beforehesailedforIcelandintheearlysummer，hewouldgoupagainstthismananddrivehimfromthelands，ifhecould。ForBrighteyesmightnotcometoIcelandtillharduponmidsummer，whenhisthreeyearsofoutlawrywerespent。
　　Thewinterworeawayandthespringcame。ThenAtligatheredhismenandwentwithEricinboatstowherethechiefdweltwhoheldhislands。Theretheyfellonhimandtherewasafiercefight。ButintheendthemanwasslainbySkallagrim，andEricdidgreatdeeds，aswashiswont。NowinthisfrayEricwaswoundedinthefootbyaspear，sothathemustbebornebacktoStraumey，andhelaythereinthehallformanydays。Swanhildnursedhim，andmostdayshesattalkingwithherinherbower。
　　WhenEricwasnearlyhealedofhishurt，theEarlwentwithallhispeopletoacertainislandoftheOrkneystogatherscat[*]thatwasunpaid，andSkallagrimwentwithhim。ButEricdidnotgo，becauseofhishurt，fearinglestthewoundshouldopenifhewalkedovermuch。
　　Thusitcametopassthat，exceptforsomewomen，hewasleftalmostalonewithSwanhild。
　　[*]Tribute。
　　Now，whenAtlihadbeengonethreedays，itchancedonanafternoonthatSwanhildheardhowamanfromIcelandsoughtspeechwithher。Shebadethembringhimintowhereshewasaloneinherbower，forEricwasnotthere，havinggonedowntotheseatofish。
　　ThemancameandsheknewhimatonceforKolltheHalf-witted，whohadbeenhermotherGroa’sthrall。OnhisshoulderswasthecloakthatOspakarBlacktoothhadgivenhim；itwasmuchtornnow，andhehadawornandhungrylook。
　　“Whencecomestthou，Koll？“sheasked，“andwhatarethytidings？“
　　“FromScotlandlast，lady，whereIsatthiswinter；beforethat，fromIceland。Asformytidings，theyareheavy，ifthouhastnotheardthem。AsmundthePriestisdead，anddeadisUnnahiswife，poisonedbythymother，Groa，attheirmarriage-feast。Dead，too，isthymother，Groa。Bj？rn，Asmund’sson，shotherwithanarrow，andsheliesinGoldfosspool。”
　　NowSwanhildhidherfaceforawhileinherhands。Thenshelifteditanditwaswhitetosee。“Speakestthoutruth，fox？Ifthouliest，thisIsweartothee——thytongueshallbedraggedfromtheebytheroots！“
　　“Ispeakthetruth，lady。”heanswered。Butstillhespokenotallthetruth，forhesaidnothingofthepartwhichhehadplayedinthedeathsofAsmundandUnna。Thenhetoldherofthemanneroftheirend。
　　Swanhildlistenedsilently——thensaid：
　　“WhatnewsofGudruda，Asmund’sdaughter？Isshewed？“
　　“Nay，lady。FolkspokeofherandOspakar，thatwasall。”
　　“Hearken，Koll。”saidSwanhild，“bearingsuchheavytidings，canstthounotweighttheshipalittlemore？EricBrighteyesishere。Canstthounotsweartohimthat，whenthoudidstleaveIcelanditwassaidwithoutquestionthatGudrudahadbetrothedherselftoOspakar，andthatthewedding-feastwassetforthislastYule？Thouhastahungrylook，Koll，andmethinksthatthingshavenotgonealtogetherwellwiththeeoflate。Now，ifthoucanstsochargethymemory，thoushaltloselittlebyit。But，ifthoucanstnot，thenthougoesthencefromStraumeywithneveraluck-pennyinthypurse，andneverasuptostaythystomachwith。”
　　NowofallthingsKollleastdesiredtobesentfromStraumey；for，thoughSwanhilddidnotknowit，hewassoughtforonthemainlandasathief。
　　“ThatImaydo，lady。”hesaid，lookingathercunningly。“NowI
　　rememberthatGudrudatheFairchargedmewithacertainmessageforEricBrighteyes，ifIshouldchancetoseehimasIjourneyed。”
　　ThenSwanhild，Atli’swife，andKolltheHalf-wittedtalkedlongandearnestlytogether。
　　AtnightfallEriccameinfromhisfishing。Hisheartwaslight，forthetimedrewnearwhenheshouldsailforhome，andhedidnotthinkonevil。FornowhefearedSwanhildnolonger，and，nofreshtidingshavingcomefromIcelandaboutOspakarandGudruda，hehadalmostputthematterfromhismind。Onhewalkedtothehall，limpingsomewhatfromhiswound，butsingingashecame，andbearinghisfishslunguponapole。
　　Atthemen’sdoorofthehallawomanstoodwaiting。ShetoldEricthattheladySwanhildwouldspeakwithhiminherbower。Thitherhewentandknocked。Gettingnoanswerheknockedagain，thenentered。
　　Swanhildsatonacouch。Shewasweeping，andherhairfellaboutherface。
　　“Whatnow，Swanhild？“hesaid。
　　Shelookedupheavily。“Illnewsfortheeandme，Eric。Koll，whowasmymother’sthrall，hascomehitherfromIceland，andthesearehistidings：thatAsmundisdead，andUnna，thycousin，ThorodofGreenfell’sdaughter，isdead，andmymotherGroaisdeadalso。”
　　“Heavytidings，truly！“saidEric；“andwhatofGudruda，isshealsodead？“
　　“Nay，Ericsheiswed——wedtoOspakar。”
　　NowEricreeledagainstthewall，clutchingit，andforaspaceallthingsswamroundhim。“WhereisthisKoll？“hegasped。“SendmeKollhither。”
　　Presentlyhecame，andEricquestionedhimcoldlyandcalmly。ButKollcouldliefullwell。ItissaidthatinhisdaytherewasnooneinIcelandwhocouldliesowellasKolltheHalf-witted。HetoldErichowitwassaidthatGudrudawasplightedtoOspakar，andhowthematchhadbeenagreedonattheAlthinginthesummerthatwasgoneandindeedtherehadbeensomesuchtalk，andhowthatthefeastwastobeatMiddalhofonlastYuleDay。
　　“Isthatallthytidings？“saidEric。“Ifso，Igivenoheedtothem：
　　forever，Koll，Ihaveknowntheeforaliar！“
　　“Nay，Eric，itisnotall。”answeredKoll。“Asitchanced，twodaysbeforetheshipinwhichIsailedwasbound，IsawGudrudatheFair。
　　ThensheaskedmewhitherIwasgoing，andItoldherthatIwouldjourneytoLondon，wheremensaidthouwert，andaskedherifshewouldsendamessage。Thenshealightedfromherhorse，Blackmane，andspokewithmeapart。’Koll，’shesaid，’itwellmayhappenthatthouwiltseeEricBrighteyesinLondontown。Now，ifthouseesthim，I
　　chargetheestraightlytellhimthis。Tellhimthatmyfatherisdead，andmybrotherBj？rn，whorulesinhisplace，isahardman，andhaseverurgedmeontowedOspakar，tillatlast，havingnochoice，I
　　haveconsentedtoit。AndsaytoEricthatIgrievemuchandsorely，andthat，thoughwetwainshouldnevermeetmore，yetIshallalwaysholdhismemorydear。’“
　　“ItisnotlikeGudrudatospeakthus。”saidEric：“shehadeverastoutheartandthesearecravenwords。Koll，Iholdthatthouliest；
　　and，ifindeedIfinditso，I’llwringtheheadfromoffthee！“
　　“Nay，Eric，Ilienot。WhereforeshouldIlie？Hearken：thouhastnotheardallmytale。WhentheladyGudrudahadmadeanendofspeakingshedrewsomethingfromherbreastandgaveitme，saying：’GivethistoEric，inwitnessofmywords。’“
　　“Showmethetoken。”saidEric。
　　Now，manyyearsago，whentheywereyetboyandgirl，itchancedthatErichadgiventoGudrudathehalfofanancientgoldpiecethathehadfoundupontheshore。Hehadgivenherhalf，andhalfhehadkept，wearingitnexthisheart。Butheknewnotthis，forshefearedtotellhim，thatGudrudahadlostherhalf。Norindeedhadshelostit，forSwanhildhadtakenthelove-tokenandhiddenitaway。NowshebroughtitforthforKolltobuildhisliesupon。
　　ThenKolldrewoutthehalf-piecefromaleatherpurseandpassedittohim。Ericplungedhishandintohisbreastandfoundhishalf。Heplacedthetwosidebyside，whileSwanhildwatchedhim。Lo！theyfittedwell。
　　ThenEriclaughedaloud，ahardandbitterlaugh。“Therewillbeslaying。”hecried，“beforeallthistaleistold。Takethyfeeandbegone，thoumessengerofill。”andhecastthebrokenpieceatKoll。
　　“Foroncethouhastspokenthetruth。”
　　Kollstooped，foundthegoldandwent，leavingBrighteyesandSwanhildfacetoface。
　　Hehidhisbrowinhisarmsandgroanedaloud。SoftlySwanhildcreptuptohim——softlyshedrewhishandsaway，holdingthembetweenherown。
　　“Heavytidings，Eric。”shesaid，“heavytidingsfortheeandme！Sheisamurderesswhogavemebirthandshehasslainmyownfather——myfatherandthycousinUnnaalso。Gudrudaisatraitress，atraitressfairandfalse。Ididilltobebornofsuchawoman；thoudidstilltoputthyfaithinsuchawoman。Togetherletusweep，forourwoeisequal。”
　　“Ay，letusweeptogether。”Ericanswered。“Nay，whyshouldweweep？
　　Togetherletusbemerry，forweknowtheworst。Allwordsaresaid——
　　allhopesaresped！Letusbemerry，then，fornowwehavenomoretidingstofear。”
　　“Ay。”Swanhildanswered，lookingonhimdarkly，“wewillbemerryandlaughoursorrowsdown。Ah！thoufoolishEric，underwhatunluckystarwastthoubornthatthouknewestnottruefromfalse？“andshecalledtheserving-women，biddingthembringfoodandwine。
　　NowEricsatalonewithSwanhildinherbowerandmadepretencetoeat。Buthecouldeatlittle，thoughhedrankdeepofthesouthernwine。ClosebesidehimsatSwanhild，fillinghiscup。Shewaswondrousfairthatnight，anditseemedtoEricthathereyesgleamedlikestars。Sweetlyshespokealsoandwisely。Shetoldstrangetalesandshesangstrangesongs，andeverhereyesshonemoreandmore，andevershecreptclosertohim。Eric’sbrainwasafire，thoughhisheartwascoldanddead。Helaughedloudandmightily，hetoldgreattalesofdeedsthathehaddone，growingboastfulinhisfolly，andstillSwanhild’seyesshonemoreandmore，andstillshecreptcloser，wooinghiminmanyways。
　　NowofasuddenEricthoughtofhisfriend，EarlAtli，andhismindgrewclear。
　　“Thismaynotbe，Swanhild。”hesaid。“YetIwouldthatIhadlovedtheefromthefirst，andnotthefalseGudruda：for，withallthydarkways，atleastthouartbetterthanshe。”
　　“Thouspeakestwisely，Eric。”Swanhildanswered，thoughshemeantnotthatheshouldgo。“TheNornshaveappointedusanevilfate，givingmeaswifetoanoldmanwhomIdonotlove，andtheeforalovertoawomanwhohasbetrayedthee。Ah，EricBrighteyes，thoufoolishEric！
　　whyknewestthounotthefalsefromthetruewhileyettherewastime？
　　Nowareallwordssaidandallthingsdone——norcantheybeundone。Gohence，Eric，ereillcomeofit；but，beforethougoest，drinkonecupofparting，andthenfarewell。”
　　Andsheslippedfromhimandfilledthecup，mixinginitacertainlove-portionthatshehadmadeready。
　　“GiveitmethatImayswearanoathonit。”saidEric。
　　Swanhildgavehimthecupandstoodbeforehim，watchinghim。
　　“Hearken。”hesaid：“Iswearthis，thatbeforesnowfallsagaininIcelandIwillseeOspakardeadatmyfeetorliedeadatthefeetofOspakar。”
　　“Wellspoken，Eric。”Swanhildanswered。“Now，beforethoudrinkest，grantmeonelittleboon。Itisbutawoman’sfancy，andthoucanstscarcedenyme。Theyearswillbelongwhenthouartgone，forfromthisnightitisbestthatweshouldmeetnomore，andIwouldkeepsomethingoftheetocallbackthymemoryandthememoriesofouryouthwhenthouhastpassedawayandIgrowold。”
　　“Whatwouldsthavethen，Swanhild？Ihavenothinglefttogive，exceptWhitefirealone。”
　　“IdonotaskWhitefire，Eric，thoughWhitefireshallkissthegift。I
　　asknothingbutonetressofthatgoldenhairofthine。”
　　“OnceIsworethatnoneshouldtouchmyhairagainexceptGudruda’sself。”
　　“Itwillgrowlong，then，Eric，fornowGudrudatendsblacklocksandthinkslittleongolden。Brokenarealloaths。”
　　Ericgroaned。“Alloathsarebrokeninsooth。”hesaid。“Havethenthywill；“and，loosingthepeace-strings，hedrewWhitefirefromitssheathandgaveherthegreatwar-sword。
　　Swanhildtookitbythehilt，and，liftingatressofEric’syellowhair，sheshorethroughitdeftlywithWhitefire’srazor-edge，smilingassheshore。Withthesamewar-bladeonwhichEricandGudrudahadpledgedtheirtroth，didSwanhildcutthelocksthatErichadswornnohandshouldclipexceptGudruda’s。
　　Hetookbacktheswordandsheathedit，and，knottingthelongtress，Swanhildhiditinherbosom。
　　“Nowdrinkthecup，Eric。”shesaid——“pledgemeandgo。”
　　Ericdranktothedregsandcastthecupdown，andlo！allthingschangedtohim，forhisbloodwasafire，andseasseemedtorollwithinhisbrain。OnlybeforehimstoodSwanhildlikeashapeoflightandglory，andhethoughtthatshesangsoftlyoverhim，alwaysdrawingnearer，andthatwithhercameascentofflowerslikethescentoftheIcelandmeadsinMay。
　　“Alloathsarebroken，Eric。”shemurmured，“alloathsarebrokenindeed，andnowmustnewoathsbesworn。Forcutisthygoldenhair，Brighteyes，andnotbyGudruda’shand！“
　　XX
　　HOWERICWASNAMEDANEW
　　Ericdreamed。HedreamedthatGudrudastoodbyhimlookingathimwithsoft，sadeyes，whilewithherhandshepointedtohishair，andspake。
　　“Thouhastdoneill，Eric。”sheseemedtosay。“Thouhastdoneilltodoubtme；andnowthouartforevershamed，forthouhastbetrayedAtli，thyfriend。Thouhastbrokenthyoath，andthereforehastthoufallenintothispit；forwhenSwanhildshorethatlockofthine，mywatchingSpiritpassed，leavingtheetoSwanhildandthyfate。Now，I
　　telltheethis：thatshameshallleadtoshame，andmanylivesshallpayforfeitforthysin，Eric。”
　　Ericawoke，thinkingthatthiswasindeedanevildreamwhichhehaddreamed。Hewoke，andlo！byhimwasSwanhild，Atli’swife。Helookeduponherbeauty，andfearandshamecreptintohisheart，fornowheknewthatitwasnodream，buthewaslostindeed。HelookedagainatSwanhild，andhatredandloathingofhershookhim。Shehadovercomehimbyherarts；thatcupwasdruggedwhichhehaddrunk，andhewasmadwithgrief。Yes，shehadplayeduponhiswoelikeaharperonaharp，andnowhewasashamed——nowhehadbetrayedhisfriendwholovedhim！HadWhitefirebeentohishandatthatmoment，Erichadsurelyslainhimself。Butthegreatswordwasnotthere，forithunginSwanhild’sbower。Ericgroanedaloud，andSwanhildturnedatthesound。Buthesprangawayandstoodoverher，cursingher。
　　“Thouwitch！“hecried，“whathastthoudone？Whatdidstthoumixinthatcupyestre’en？ThouhastbroughtmetothisthatIhavebetrayedAtli，myfriend——Atli，thylord，wholefttheeinmykeeping！“
　　HeseemedsoterribleinhiswoeandragethatSwanhildshrankfromhim，and，throwingherhairaboutherface，peepedathimthroughitsmeshesasonceshehadpeepedatAsmund。
　　“Itislikeaman。”shesaid，gatheringuphercourageandherwit；
　　“’tislikeaman，havingwonmylove，nowtoturnuponmeandupbraidme。Fieuponthee，Eric！thouhastdealtillwithmetobringmetothis。”
　　NowEricceasedhisraving，andspokemorecalmly。
　　“Wellthouknowestthetruth，Swanhild。”hesaid。
　　“Hearken，Eric。”sheanswered。“Letthisbesecretbetweenus。Atliisold，andmethinksthatnotforlongshallhebidehereinStraumey。
　　Soonhewilldie；itisuponmymindthathesoonwilldie，and，beingchildless，hislandsandgoodspasstome。Then，Eric，thoushaltsitinAtli’shall，andinallhonourshallAtli’swifebecomethybride。”
　　Ericlistenedcoldly。“Icanwellbelieve。”hesaid，“thatthouhastitinmindtoslaythylord，forallevilisinthyheart，Swanhild。
　　Nowknowthis：thatifinhonourordishonourmylipstouchthatfairfaceofthineagain，maythelimbsrotfromthytrunk，andmayIliealogforeverinthehallsofHela！Ifevermyeyesoftheirownwilllookagainuponthybeauty，mayIgoblindandbegmymeatfromhomesteadtohomestead！Ifevermytonguewhisperwordofloveintothyears，maydumbnessseizeit，andmayitwithertotheroot！“
　　Swanhildheardandsankuponthegroundbeforehim，herheadbowedalmosttoherfeet。
　　“Now，Swanhild，faretheewell。”saidEric。“Livingordead，mayI
　　neverseethyfaceagain！“
　　Shegazedupthroughherfallinghair；herfacewaswildandwhite，andhereyesglowedinitasliveembersglowintheashesofburntwood。
　　“Wearenotsoeasilyparted，Eric。”shesaid。“NotforthiscameItowitchcraftandtosin。Thoufool！hastthouneverheardthat，ofallthefoesamanmayhave，noneissoterribleasthewomanhehasscorned？Thoushaltlearnthislesson，EricBrighteyes，Thorgrimur’sson：forherewehavebutthebeginningofthetale。Foritsend，I
　　willwriteitinrunesofblood。”
　　“Writeon。”saidEric。“Thoucanstdonoworsethanthouhastdone。”
　　andhepassedthence。
　　ForawhileSwanhildcrouchedupontheground，broodinginsilence。
　　Thensherose，and，throwingupherarms，weptaloud。
　　“IsitforthisthatIhavesoldmysoultotheHell-hag？“shecried。
　　“IsitforthisthatIhavebecomeawitch，andsunksolowasIsanklastnight——tobescorned，tobehated，tobebetrayed？NowEricwillgotoAtliandtellthistale。Nay，thereIwillbebeforehandwithhim，andwithanotherstory——anancientwileofwomentruly，butonethatneveryethasfailedthem，noreverwill。Andthenforvengeance！
　　Iwillseetheedead，Eric，anddeadwillIseeGudrudaatthyside！
　　Afterwardsletdarknesscome——ay，thoughthehorrorridesit！Swift！——
　　Imustbeswift！“
　　EricpassedintoSwanhild’sbower，and，findingWhitefire，boreitthence。Onthetablewasfood。Hetookit。Then，goingtotheplacewherehewaswonttosleep，hearmedhimself，girdinghisbyrnieonhisbreastandhisgoldenhelmuponhishead，andtakingshieldandspearinhishand。Thenhepassedout。Bythemen’sdoorhefoundsomewomenspreadingfishinthesun。Ericgreetedthem，sayingthatwhentheEarlcameback，forhewastocomeonthatmorning，hewouldfindhimonthesouth-westernrocksnightowheretheGudrudasank。ThishebeggedofthemtotellAtli，forhedesiredspeechwithhim。
　　ThewomenwonderedthatBrighteyesshouldgoforththusandfullyarmed，but，holdingthathehadsomedeedtodo，theysaidnothing。
　　Ericcametotherocks，andtherehesatalldaylonglookingonthesea，andgrievingsobitterlythathethoughthisheartwouldburstwithinhim。ForofallthedaysofEric’slifethiswastheheaviest，exceptoneotheronly。
　　ButSwanhild，goingtoherbower，causedKolltheHalf-wittedtobesummoned。Tohimshespokelongandearnestly，andtheymadeashamefulplottogether。ThenshebadeKollwatchforAtli’scomingand，whenhesawtheEarlleavehisboats，toruntohimandsaythatshewouldspeakwithhim。
　　AfterthisSwanhildsentamanacrossthefirthtothesteadwhereHallofLithdalesat，biddinghimtocometoheratspeed。
　　Whentheafternoongrewtowardstheevening，Koll，watching，sawtheboatsofAtlidrawtothelanding-place。Thenhewentdown，and，goingtotheEarl，bowedbeforehim：
　　“Whatwouldstthou，fellow，andwhoartthou？“askedAtli。
　　“IamamanfromIceland；perchance，lord，thousawestmeinAsmund’shallatMiddalhof。IamsentherebytheLadySwanhildtosaythatshedesiresspeechwiththee，andthatatonce。”Then，seeingSkallagrim，Kollfledbacktothehouse，forhefearedSkallagrim。
　　NowAtliwasuneasyinhismind，and，sayingnothing，hehurrieduptothehall，andthroughitintoSwanhild’sbower。
　　Thereshesatonacouch，hereyesredwithweeping，andhercurlinghairunbound。
　　“Whatnow，Swanhild？“heasked。“Whylookestthouthus？“
　　“WhylookIthus，mylord？“sheansweredheavily。“BecauseIhavetotelltheethatwhichIcannotfindwordstofit。”andsheceased。
　　“Speakon。”hesaid。“IsaughtwrongwithEric？“
　　ThenSwanhilddrewnearandtoldhimafalsetale。
　　WhenitwasdoneforamomentorsoAtlistoodstill，andgrewwhitebeneathhisruddyskin，whiteashisbeard。Thenhestaggeredbackagainstthewainscotingofthebower。
　　“Woman，thouliest！“hesaid。“NeverwillIbelievesovileathingofEricBrighteyes，whomIhaveloved。”
　　“WouldthatIcouldnotbelieveit！“sheanswered。“WouldthatIcouldthinkitwasbutanevildream！Butalas！Nay，Iwillproveit。SufferthatIsummonKoll，theIcelander，whowasmymother’sthrall——Groawhonowisdead，forIhavethattidingsalso。Hesawsomethingofthisthing，andhewillbearmewitness。”
　　“Calltheman。”saidAtlisternly。
　　SoKollwassummoned，andtoldhislieswithaboldface。Hewassowelltaught，andsocloselydidhisstorytallywiththatofSwanhild，thatAtlicouldfindnoflawinit。
　　“NowIamsure，Swanhild，thatthouspeakesttruth。”saidtheEarlwhenKollhadgone。“AndnowalsoIhavesomewhattosaytothisEric。
　　Forthee，restthyself；thatwhichcannotbemendedmustbeborne。”
　　andhewentout。
　　Now，whenSkallagrimcametothehouseheaskedforEric。ThewomentoldhimthatBrighteyeshadgonedowntothesea，fullyarmed，inthemorning，andhadnotreturned。
　　“Thentheremustbefightingtoward，andthatIamlothtomiss。”saidSkallagrim，and，axealoft，hestartedforthesouth-westernrocksatarun。Skallagrimcametotherocks。TherehefoundEric，sittinginhisharness，lookingoutacrossthesea。Theeveningwaswetandwindy；therainbeatuponhimashesat，butErictooknoheed。
　　“Whatseekestthou，lord？“askedtheBaresark。
　　“Rest。”saidEric，“andIfindnone。”
　　“Thouseekestresthelmonheadandswordinhand？Thisisastrangething，truly！“
　　“StrangerthingshavebeenSkallagrim。Wouldstthouhearatale？“andhetoldhimall。
　　“WhatsaidI？“askedSkallagrim。“WehadfaredbetterinLondontown。
　　Flyingfromthedovethouhastfoundthefalcon。”
　　“Ihavefoundthefalcon，comrade，andshehaspeckedoutmyeyes。NowIwouldspeakwithAtli，andthenIgohence。”
　　“Hencegothetwainofus，lord。TheEarlwillbeherepresentlyandroughwordswillflyinthisroughweather。IsWhitefiresharp，Brighteyes？“
　　“Whitefirewassharpenoughtoshearmyhair，Skallagrim；butifAtliwouldstrikelethimlayon。Whitefirewillnotbealoftforhim。”
　　“Thatweshallsee。”saidSkallagrim。“Atleast，ifthouartharmedbecauseofthisloosequean，myaxewillbealoft。”
　　“Keepthouthineaxeinitsplace。”saidEric，andashespokeAtlicame，andwithhimmanymen。
　　EricroseandturnedtomeettheEarl，lookingonhimwithsadeyes。
　　ForAtli，hisfacewasasthefaceofatrappedwolf，forhewasmadwithrageattheshamethathadbeenputuponhimandtheilltalethatSwanhildhadtoldofEric’sdealingswithher。
　　“ItseemsthattheEarlhasheardofthesetidings。”saidSkallagrim。
　　“ThenIshallbesparedthetellingofthem。”answeredEric。
　　Nowtheystoodfacetoface；Atlileaneduponhisdrawnsword，andhiswrathwassofiercethatforawhilehecouldnotspeak。Atlengthhefoundwords。
　　“Seeyethatman，comrades？“hesaid，pointingatEricwiththesword。
　　“Hehasbeenmyguestthesemanymonths。Hehassatinmyhallandeatenofmybread，andIhavelovedhimasason。Andwotyehowhehasrepaidme？Hehasputmetothegreatestshame，meandmywifetheLadySwanhild，whomIleftinhisguard——tosuchshame，indeed，thatI
　　cannotspeakit。”
　　“Truewords，Earl。”saidEric，whilefolkmurmuredandhandledtheirswords。
　　“True，butnotallthetruth。”growledSkallagrim。“MethinkstheEarlhasheardagarbledtale。”
　　“Truewords，thyselfthousayestit。”wentonAtli“thouhoundthatI
　　savedfromthesea！’Ran’sgift，Hela’sgift，’sorunsthesaw，andnowfromRantoHelathoushaltgo，thoumishandlerofdefencelesswomen！“
　　“HereissomewhatofwhichIknownothing。”saidEric。
　　“Andhereissomethingofwhichthoushaltknow。”answeredAtli，andheshookhisswordbeforeEric’seyes。“Guardthyself！“
　　“Nay，Earl；thouartold，andIhavedonethewrong——Imaynotfightwiththee。”
　　“Artthouacowardalso？“saidtheEarl。
　　“Somehavedeemedotherwise。”saidEric，“butitistruethatheavyheartmakesweakhand。Neverthelessthisismyrede。Withtheearetenmen。StandthouasideandletthemfallonmetillIamslain。”
　　“Theoddsaretooheavyevenforthee。”saidSkallagrim。“Backtoback，lord，aswehavestoodaforetime，andletusplaythisgametogether。”
　　“Notso。”criedAtli，“thisshameismine，andIhavesworntoSwanhildthatIwillwipeitoutinEric’sblood。Standthoubeforemeanddraw！“
　　ThenEricdrewWhitefireandraisedhisshield。AtlitheEarlrushedathimandsmoteagreattwo-handedblow。Ericcaughtitonhisshieldandsufferednoharm；buthewouldnotsmiteback。
　　Atlidroppedhispoint。“Nidderingartthou，andcowardtothelast！“
　　hecried。“See，men，EricBrighteyesfearstofight。IamnotcometothisthatIwillcutdownamanwhoistoofaint-heartedtogiveblowforblow。Thisismyword：takeyeyourspear-shaftsandpushthiscowardtotheshore。Thenputhiminaboatanddrivehimhence。”
　　NowEricgrewredastheredlightofsunset，forhismanhoodmightnotbearthis。
　　“Takeshield。”hesaid，“and，Earl，onthineownheadbethyblood，fornoneshalllivetocallEricnidderingandcoward。”
　　Atlilaughedinhisfollyandhisrage。Hetookashield，and，oncemorespringingonBrighteyes，struckagreatblow。
　　Ericparried，thenwhirledWhitefireonhighandsmote——onceandonceonly！Downrushedthebrightbladelikeastarthroughthenight。
　　SwordandshielddidAtlilifttocatchtheblow。Throughshielditsheared，andarmthatheldtheshield，throughbyrniemailanddeepintoEarlAtli’sside。Hefellpronetoearth，whilemenheldtheirbreath，wonderingatthegreatnessofthatstroke。
　　ButEricleanedonWhitefireandlookedattheoldEarlupontherock。
　　“Now，Atli，thouhasthadthyway。”hesaid，“andmethinksthingsareworsethantheywerebefore。ButIwillsaythis：wouldthatIlaythereandthoustoodesttowatchmedie，forasliefwouldIhaveslainmyfatherasthee，EarlAtli。ThereliesSwanhild’swork！“
　　AtligazedupwardsintoEric’ssadeyesand，whilehegazedso，hisragelefthim，andofasuddenalightbrakeuponhismind，aseventhenthelightofthesettingsunbrakethroughthedrivingmist。
　　“Eric。”hesaid，“drawnearandspeakwithmeereIamsped。MethinksthatIhavebeenbeguiledandthatthoudidstnotdothisthingthatSwanhildsaidandKollborewitnessto。”
　　“WhatdidSwanhildsay，then，EarlAtli？“