XXXI
　　HOWERICSENTAWAYHISMENFROMMOSFELL
　　NowEricandSkallagrimcametoMosfellinsafety，andduringallthatrideBrighteyesspokenoword。Herodeinsilence，andinsilenceSkallagrimrodeafterhim。TheheartofSkallagrimwasbrokenbecauseofthesorrowwhichhisdrunkennesshadbroughtabout，andtheheartofEricwasburiedinGudruda’sgrave。
　　OnMosfellEricfoundfourofhisownmen，twoofwhomhadbeenamongthosethatthepeopleofGizurandSwanhildhaddrivenfromGudruda’sshipbeforetheyfiredher。Fornofighthadbeenmadeontheship。
　　TherealsohefoundJon，whohadbeenloosedfromhisbandsintheboothbyonewhoheardhiscriesasherodepast。NowwhenJonsawBrighteyes，hetoldhimall，andfellatEric’sfeetandweptbecausehehadbetrayedhiminhisfear。
　　ButEricspokenoangrywordtohim。Stoopingdownheraisedhim，saying，“Thouwastneveroverstoutofheart，Jon，andthouartscarcelytobeblamedbecausethoudidstspeakratherthandieintorment，thoughperhapssomehadchosensotodieandnottospeak。
　　NowIamalucklessman，andallthingshappenastheyarefated，andthewordsofAtlicometrue，aswastobelookedfor。TheNorns，againstwhomnonemaystand，didbutworktheirwillthroughthymouth，Jon；sogrievenomoreforthatwhichcannotbeundone。”
　　Thenheturnedaway，butJonweptlongandloudly。
　　ThatnightEricsleptwellanddreamednodreams。Butonthemorrowhewokeatdawn，andclothedhimselfandate。Thenhecalledhismentogether，andwiththemSkallagrim。Theycameandstoodbeforehim，andEric，drawingWhitefire，leaneduponitandspoke：
　　“Hearken，mates。”hesaid：“Iknowthis，thatmyhoursareshortanddeathdrawson。Myyearshavebeenfewandevil，andIcannotreadthepurposeofmylife。ShewhomIlovedhasbeenslainbythewitchcraftofSwanhildandthecowardhandofGizurthemurderer，andIgotoseekherwhereshewaits。Iamverygladtogo，fornowIhavenomorejoyinlife，beingbutalucklessman；itisanillworld，friends，andallthewaysareredwithblood。Ihaveshedmuchblood，thoughbutonelifehauntsmenowatthelast，andthatisthelifeofAtlitheEarl，forhewasnomatchformymightandheisdeadbecauseofmysin。WithmyownbloodIwillwashawaythebloodofAtli，andthenIseekanotherplace，leavingnothingbutataletobetoldintheinglewhenfallthewintersnows。Fortothisendweallcomeatthelast，anditmatterslittleifitfindusatmiddayoratnightfall。
　　Weliveinsorrow，wedieinpainanddarkness：forthisisthecursethattheGodshavelaiduponmenandeachmusttasteitinhisseason。
　　ButIhaveswornthatnomoremenshalldieforme。Iwillfightthelastgreatfightalone；forIknowthis：Ishallnoteasilybeovercome，andwithmyfallenfoesIwilltreadonBifrostBridge。
　　Therefore，farewell！WhenthebonesofEricBrighteyeslieintheirbarrow，orarepickedbyravensonthemountainside，Gizurwillnottroubletohuntoutthosewhoclungtohim，ifindeedGizurshalllivetotellthetale。NorneedyefearthehateofSwanhild，forsheaimsherspearsatmealone。Go，therefore，andwhenIamdead，donotforgetme，anddonotseektoavengeme，forDeaththeavengerofallwillfindthemalso。”
　　NowEric’smenheardandgroanedaloud，sayingthattheywoulddiewithhim，fortheylovedEriconeandall。OnlySkallagrimsaidnothing。
　　ThenBrighteyesspokeagain：“Hearme，comrades。Ifyewillnotgo，mybloodwillbeonyourheads，forIwillrideoutalone，andmeetthemenofGizurintheplainandfalltherefighting。”
　　Thenonebyonetheycreptawaytoseektheirhorsesinthedell。AndeachmanashewentcametoEricandkissedhishand，thenpassedthenceweeping。Jonwasthelasttogo，exceptSkallagrimonly，andhewassomovedthathecouldnotspeakatall。
　　ItwasthisJonwho，inafteryears，whenhewasgrownveryold，wanderedfromsteadtosteadtellingthedeedsofEricBrighteyes，andalwaysfindingawelcomebecauseofhistale，tillatlength，ashejourneyed，hewasovertakenbyasnowstormandburiedinadrift。ForJon，wholackedmuch，hadthisgift：hehadaskald’stongue。MenhavealwaysheldthatitwastothehonourofJonthathetoldthetalethus，hidingnothing，seeingthatsomeofitisagainsthimself。
　　Nowwhenallhadgone，EriclookedatSkallagrim，whostillstoodnearhim，axeinhand。
　　“Whereforegoestthounot，drunkard？“hesaid。“Surelythouwiltfindaleandmeadinthevalesoroversea。Herethereisnone。Hasten！I
　　wouldbealone！“
　　NowthegreatbodyofSkallagrimshookwithgriefandshame，andtheredbloodpouredupbeneathhisdarksin。Thenhespokeinathickvoice：
　　“IdidnotthinktolivetohearsuchwordsfromthelipsofEricBrighteyes。Theyarewellearned，yetitisunmanlyofthee，lord，thustotauntonewholovesthee。IwouldsoonerdieasSwanhildsaidyonderthrallshoulddiethanlivetolistentosuchwords。Ihavesinnedagainstthee，indeed，andbecauseofmysinmyheartisbroken。
　　Hastthou，then，neversinnedthatthouwouldsttearitlivingfrommybreastaseaglestearafounderedhorse？Thinkonthineownsins，Eric，andpitymine！TauntmethusoncemoreorbidmegooncemoreandIwillgoindeed！Iwillgothus——ontheedgeofyondergulfthoudidstovercomemebythynakedmight，andthereIsworefealtytothee，EricBrighteyes。Manyayearhavewewanderedsidebyside，and，standingbacktoback，havestruckmanyablow。Iammindedtodothis：tostandbytheeinthelastgreatfightthatdrawsonandtodietherewiththee。Ihavelovednoothermansavethee，andIamtoooldtoseeknewlords。Yet，ifstillthoubiddestme，Iwillgothus。
　　WhereIsworemyoathtothee，thereIwillendit。ForIwilllaymedownonthebrinkofyondergulf，asonceIlaywhenthyhandwasatmythroat，andcalloutthatthouartnomoremylordandIamnomorethythrall。ThenIwillrollintothedepthsbeneath，andbythisdeathofshamethoushaltbefreedofme，EricBrighteyes。”
　　Ericlookedatthegreatman——helookedlongandsadly。Thenhespoke：
　　“SkallagrimLambstail，thouhastatrueheart。Itoohavesinned，andnowIputawaythysin，althoughGudrudaisdeadthroughtheeandI
　　mustdiebecauseofthee。Staybymeifthouwiltandletusfalltogether。”
　　ThenSkallagrimcametoEric，and，kneelingbeforehim，tookhishandsandkissedthem。
　　“NowIamoncemoreaman。”hesaid，“andIknowthis：wetwoshalldiesuchagreatdeaththatitwillbewelltohavelivedtodieit！“
　　andhearoseandshouted：
　　“A！hai！A！hai！Iseefoespassinpride！
　　A！hai！A！hai！Valkyriesridethewind！
　　Hearthesongofthesword！
　　Whitefireisaloft——aloft！
　　BareistheaxeoftheBaresark！
　　Croak，yenestingravens；
　　Flapyourwings，yeeagles，ForbrightisMosfell’scavewithblood！
　　Lap！lap！thouGreyWolf，Laughaloud，Odin！
　　“Laughtillshakethegoldendoors；
　　Heroes’feetaresetonBifrost，Open，yehundredgates！
　　A！hai！A！hai！redrunsthefray！
　　A！hai！A！hai！Valkyriesridethewind！“
　　ThenSkallagrimturnedandwenttocleanhisharnessandthegoldenhelmofEric。
　　NowatColdbackGizurspokewithSwanhild。
　　“Thouhastbroughtthegreatestshameuponme。”hesaid，“forthouhastcausedmetoslayasleepingwoman。Knowestthouthatmyownmenwillscarcelyspeakwithme？Ihavecometothisevilpass，throughloveofthee，thatIhaveslainasleepingwoman！“
　　“ItwasnotmyfaultthatthoudidstkillGudruda。”answeredSwanhild；
　　“surelyIthoughtitwasEricwhomthyswordpierced！Ihavenotsoughtthylove，Gizur，andIsaythistothee：go，ifthouwilt，andleavemealone！“
　　NowGizurlookedather，andwasmindedtogo；but，asSwanhildknewwell，sheheldhimtoofastinthenetofherwitcheries。
　　“Iwouldgo，ifImightgo！“answeredGizur；“butIamboundtotheeforgoodorevil，sinceitisfatedthatIshallwedthee。”
　　“ThouwiltneverwedmewhileEriclives。”saidSwanhild。
　　Nowshespokethustruthfully，andbychance，asitwere，notasdrivingGizurontoslayEric——for，nowthatGudrudawasdead，shewasintwomindsastothismatter，since，ifshemight，shestilldesiredtotakeErictoherself——butmeaningthatwhileEriclivedshewouldwednootherman。ButGizurtookitotherwise。
　　“EricshallcertainlydieifImaybringitabout。”heanswered，andwenttospeakwithhismen。
　　NowallweregatheredintheyardatColdback，andthatwasagreatcompany。ButtheirlookswereheavybecauseoftheshamethatGizur，Ospakar’sson，hadbroughtuponthembythemurderofGudrudainhersleep。
　　“Hearken，comrades！“saidGizur：“greatshameiscomeuponmebecauseofadeedthatIhavedoneunwittingly，forIaimedattheeagleEricandIhaveslaintheswanGudruda。”
　　Thenacertainoldvikinginthecompany，namedKetel，whomGizurhadhiredfortheslayingofEric，spoke：
　　“Manorwoman，itisanidderingdeedtokillfolkintheirsleep，Gizur！Itismurder，andnoless，andsmallluckcanbehopedforfromthestroke。”
　　NowGizurfeltthathispeoplelookedonhimaskanceandheavily，andknewthatitwouldbehardtoshowthemthathewasdriventothisdeedagainsthiswill，andbythewitchcraftofSwanhild。So，aswashisnature，heturnedtoguileforshelter，likeafoxtohishole，andspoketothemwiththetongueofalawman；forGizurhadgreatskillinspeech。
　　“ThattalewasnotalltruewhichEricBrighteyestoldyou。”hesaid。
　　“Hewasmadwithgrief，andmoreoveritseemsthatheslept，andonlywoketofindGudrudadead。Itcameaboutthus：IstoodwiththeladySwanhild，andwasabouttocallaloudonErictoarmhimselfandcomeforthandmeetmefacetoface——“
　　“Then，lord，methinksthouhadstnevermetanotherfoe。”quoththevikingKetelwhohadspokenfirst。
　　“Whenofasudden。”wentonGizur，takingnonoteofKetel’swords，“oneclothedinwhitesprangfromthebedandrushedonme。ThenI，thinkingthatitwasEric，liftedsword，nottosmite，buttowardhimaway；butthelinen-wearermettheswordandfelldowndead。ThenI
　　fled，fearinglestmenshouldwakeandtrapus，andthatisallthetale。ItwasnofaultofmineifGudrudadieduponthesword。”
　　Thushespoke，butstillmenlookeddoubtfullyuponhim，forhiseyewastheeyeofaliar——andEric，astheyknew，didnotlie。
　　“Itishardtofindthetruthbetweenlawman’sbrainandtongue。”saidtheoldvikingKetel。“Ericisnolawman，butatrueman，andhesanganothersong。IwouldslayEricindeed，forbetweenhimandmethereisablood-feud，sincemybrotherdiedathishandwhen，withWhitefireforacrook，BrighteyesdrovearmedmenlikesheepdownthehallofMiddalhof——ayandswordless，slewOspakar。YetIsaythatEricisatrueman，and，whetherornothouarttrue，GizurtheLawman，thatthouknowestbest——thouandSwanhildtheFatherless，Groa’sdaughter。IfthoudidstslayGudrudaasthoutellest，say，howcomeGudruda’sbloodonWhitefire’sblade？Howdiditchance，Gizur，thatthouheldestWhitefireinthyhandandnotthineownsword？NowItelltheethis：eitherthoushaltgoupagainstEricandclearthyselfbyblows，orIleavethee；andmethinksthereareothersamongthiscompanywhowilldothesame，forwehavenowishtobepartnerswithmurderersandtheirwickedness“
　　“Ay，agoodword！“saidmanywhostoodby。“LetGizurgoupwithustoMosfell，andtherestandfacetofacewithEricandclearhimselfbyblows。”
　　“Iasknomore。”saidGizur；“wewillrideto-night。”
　　“Butmuchmoreshaltthouget，liar。”quothKeteltohimself，“forthathourwhenthoulookestonceagainonWhitefireshallbethylast！“
　　SoGizurandSwanhildmadereadytogoupagainstEric。Thatdaytheyrodeawaywithagreatcompany，ahundredandoneinall，andthiswastheirplan。Theysentsixmenwiththatthrallwhohadshownthemthesecretpath，biddinghimguidethemtothemountain-top。Then，whentheywerecomethither，andheardtheshoutsofthosewhosoughttogaintheplatformfromthesouth，theyweretowatchtillEricandhisfolkcameoutfromthecave，andshootthemwitharrowsfromaboveorcrushthemwithstones。ButifperchanceEriclefttheplatformandcametomeethisfoesinthenarrowpass，thentheymustletthemselvesdownwithropesfromtheheightabove，and，creepingafterhimroundtherock，mustsmitehimintheback。Moreover，insecret，GizurpromisedagreatrewardoftenhundredsinsilvertohimwhoshouldkillEric，forhedidnotlongtostandfacetofacewithhimalone。SwanhildalsoinsecretmadepromiseofrewardtothosewhoshouldbringErictoher，bound，butliving；andshebadethemdothis——tobearhimdownwithshieldsandtiehimwithropes。
　　Sotheyrodeaway，thesevenwhoshouldclimbthemountainfrombehindgoingfirst，andonthemorrowmorningtheycrossedthesandandcametoMosfell。
　　XXXII
　　HOWERICANDSKALLAGRIMGREWFEY
　　NowthenightcamedownuponMosfell，andofallnightsthiswasthestrangest。Theairwasquietandheavy，yetnorainfell。Itwassosilent，moreover，that，didastoneslipuponthemountainsideorahorseneighfaroffontheplains，thesoundofitcreptupthefellandwasechoedfromthecrags。
　　EricandSkallagrimsattogetherontheopenspaceofrockthatisbeforethecave，andgreatheavinessandfearcameintotheirhearts，sothattheyhadnodesiretosleep。
　　“Methinksthenightisghost-ridden。”saidEric，“andIamfey，forI
　　growcold，anditseemstomethatonestrokesmyhair。”
　　“Itisghost-ridden，lord。”answeredSkallagrim。“Trollsareabroad，andtheGod-kindgathertoseeEricdie。”
　　Forawhiletheysatinsilence，thensuddenlythemountainheavedupgentlybeneaththem。Thriceitseemedtoheavelikeawoman’sbreast，andleftthemfrightened。
　　“Nowthedwarf-folkcomefromtheircaves。”quothSkallagrim，“andgreatdeedsmaybelookedfor，sincetheyarenotdrawntotheupperearthbyalittlething。”
　　Thenoncemoretheysatsilent；andthickdarknesscamedownuponthemountain，hidingthestars。
　　“Look。”saidEricofasudden，andhepointedtoHecla。
　　Skallagrimlooked，andlo！thesnowydomeofHeclawasaglowwitharosyflamelikethelightofdawn。
　　“Winterlights。”saidLambstail，shuddering。
　　“Deathlights！“answeredEric。“Lookagain！“
　　Theylooked，andbehold！intherosyglowtheresatthreegiantformsoffire，andtheirshapesweretheshapesofwomen。Beforethemwasaloomofblacknessthatstretchedfromearthtosky，andtheywoveatitwiththreadsofflame。Theyweresplendidandterribletosee。
　　Theirhairstreamedbehindthemlikemeteorflames，theireyesshonelikelightning，andtheirbreastsgleamedlikethepolishedbucklersofthegods。Theywovefiercelyattheloomofblackness，andastheywovetheysang。Thevoiceoftheonewasasthewindwhistlingthroughthepines；thevoiceoftheotherwasasthesoundofrainhissingondeepwaters；andthevoiceofthethirdwasasthemoanofthesea。
　　Theywovefearfullyandtheysangloudly，butwhattheysangmightnotbeknown。Nowthewebgrewandthewoofgrew，andapicturecameupontheloom——agreatpicturewritteninfire。
　　Behold！itwasthesemblanceofastorm-awakenedsea，andagiantshipfledbeforethegale——adragonofwar，andintheshipwerepiledthecorsesofmen，andontheselayanothercorse，asoneliesuponabed。
　　Theylooked，andthefaceofthecorsegrewbright。ItwasthefaceofEric，andhisheadresteduponthedeadheartofSkallagrim。
　　Clingingtoeachother，EricandSkallagrimsawthesightoffearthatwaswrittenontheloomoftheNorns。Theysawitforabreath。Then，withalaughlikethewailofwolves，theshapesoffiresprangupandrentthewebasunder。Thenthefirstpassedupwardtothesky，thesecondsouthwardtowardsMiddalhof，butthethirdsweptoverMosfell，sothatthebrightnessofherflamingformshoneontherockwheretheysatbythecave，andthelightningofhereyeswasmirroredinthebyrnieofSkallagrimandonEric’sgoldenhelm。Shesweptpast，pointingdownwardsasshewent，andlo！shewasgone，andoncemoredarknessandsilencelayupontheearth。
　　NowthissightwasseenofJonthethrallalso，andhetolditinhisstoryofthedeedsofEric。ForJonlayhidinasecretplaceonMosfell，waitingfortidingsofwhatcametopass。
　　ForawhileEricandSkallagrimclungtoeachother。ThenSkallagrimspoke。
　　“WehaveseentheValkyries。”hesaid。
　　“Nay。”answeredEric，“wehaveseentheNorns——whoarecometowarnusofourdoom！Weshalldieto-morrow。”
　　“Attheleast。”saidSkallagrim，“weshallnotdiealone：wehadagoodlybedonyondergoblinship，andallofourownslayingmethinks。
　　Itisnotsoilltodiethus，lord！“
　　“Notsoill！“saidEric；“andyetIamwearyofbloodandwar，ofgloryandofmystrength。NowIdesirerestalone。Lightfire——Icanbearthisdarknessnolonger；themarrowfreezesinmybones。”
　　“Firecanbeseenoffoes。”saidSkallagrim。
　　“Itmatterslittlenow。”saidEric，“wearefeyfolk。”
　　SoSkallagrimlightedthefire，pilingmuchbrushwoodanddryturfoverit，tillpresentlyitburntupbrightly，throwinglightonallthespaceofrock，andheavyshadowsagainstthecliffbehind。Theysatthusawhileinthelightoftheflames，lookingtowardsthedeepgulf，tillsuddenlytherecameasoundasofonewhoclimbedthegulf。
　　“Whocomesnow，climbingwherenomanmaypass？“criedEric，seizingWhitefireandspringingtohisfeet。Presentlyhesankdownagainwithwhitefaceandstaringeyes，andpointedattheedgeofthecliff。Andashepointed，theneckofamanroseintheshadowabovethebrink，andthehandsofamangraspedtherock。Buttherewasnoheadontheneck。Theshapeoftheheadlessmandrewitselfslowlyoverthebrink，itwalkedslowlyintothelighttowardsthefire，thensatitselfdownintheglareoftheflames，whichshrankawayfromitasfromadraughtofwind。Palewithterror，EricandSkallagrimlookedontheheadlessthingandknewit。ItwasthewraithoftheBaresarkthatBrighteyeshadslain——thefirstofallthemenheslew。
　　“Itismymate，Eric，whomthoudidstkillyearsagoandwhoseseveredheadspokewiththee！“gaspedSkallagrim。
　　“Itishe，sureenough！“saidEric；“butwheremayhisheadbe？“
　　“Perchancetheheadwillcome。”answeredSkallagrim。“Heisanevilsighttosee，surely。Say，lord，shallIfalluponhim，thoughIlovenotthetask？“
　　“Nay，Skallagrim，lethimbide；hedoesbutcometowarnusofourfate。Moreover，ghostscanonlybelaidinoneway——bythehewingoffoftheheadandthelayingofitatthethigh。Butthisonehasnoheadtohew。”
　　Nowashespoketheheadlessmanturnedhisneckasthoughtolook。
　　Oncemoretherecamethesoundoffeetandlo！menmarchedinfromthedarknessoneitherside。EricandSkallagrimlookedupandknewthem。
　　TheywerethoseofOspakar’sfolkwhomtheyhadslainonHorse-HeadHeights；alltheirwoundswereonthemandinfrontofthemmarchedMord，Ospakar’sson。TheghostsgazeduponEricandSkallagrimwithcolddeadeyes，thentheytoosatdownbythefire。Nowoncemoretherecamethesoundoffeet，andfromeverysidemenpouredinwhohaddiedatthehandsofEricandSkallagrim。FirstcamethosewhofellonthatshipofOspakar’swhichEricsankbyWestmans；thenthecrewoftheRavenwhohadperisheduponthesea-path。Evenasthemandied，sodideachghostcome。Somehadbeendrownedandtheirharnessdrippedwater！Somehaddiedofspear-thrustsandthespearswereyetfixedintheirbreasts！SomehadfallenbeneaththeflashofWhitefireandtheweightoftheaxeofSkallagrim，andtheretheysat，lookingontheirwidewounds！
　　Thencamemoreandmore。TherewerethosewhomEricandSkallagrimhadslainupontheseas，thosewhohadfallenbeforethemintheEnglishwars，andallthatcompanywhohadbeendrownedinthewatersofthePentlandFirthwhenthewitchcraftofSwanhildhadbroughttheGudrudatoherwreck。
　　“Nowherewehaveagoodlycrew。”saidEricatlength。“Isitdone，thinkestthou，orwillMosfellsendforthmoredead？“
　　Ashespokethewraithofagrey-headedmandrewnear。Hehadbutonearm，fortheotherwashewnfromhim，andthebyrnieonhisleftsidewasredwithblood。
　　“Welcome，EarlAtli！“criedEric。“Sitthouoveragainstme，whoto-morrowshallbewiththee。”
　　TheghostoftheEarlseateditselfandlookedonEricwithsadeyes，butitspakeneveraword。
　　Thencameanothercompany，andattheirheadstalkedblackOspakar。
　　“ThesebetheywhodiedatMiddalhof。”criedEric。“Welcome，Ospakar！
　　thatmarriage-feastofthinewentill！“
　　“Nowmethinksweareoverdonewithtrolls。”saidSkallagrim；“butsee！
　　herecomemore。”
　　Ashespoke，HallofLithdalecame，andwithhimKolltheHalf-witted，andothers。AndsoitwentontillallthemenwhomEricandSkallagrimhadslain，orwhohaddiedbecauseofthem，orattheirside，weregatheredindeepranksbeforethem。
　　“Nowitissurelydone。”saidEric。
　　“Thereisyetaspace。”saidSkallagrim，pointingtotheothersideofthefire，“andHellholdsmanydead。”
　　Evenasthewordslefthislipstherecameanoiseofthegallopingofhorse’shoofs，andonecladinwhiterodeup。Itwasawoman，forhergoldenhairfloweddownaboutherwhitearms。Thensheslidfromthehorseandstoodinthelightofthefire，andbehold！herwhiterobewasredwithblood，agreatswordwassetinherheart，andthefaceandeyeswerethefaceandeyesofGudrudatheFair，andthehorsesherodewasBlackmane，thatErichadslain。
　　NowwhenBrighteyessawherhegaveagreatcry。
　　“Greeting，sweet！“hesaid。“Iamnolongerafraid，sincethoucomesttobearmecompany。Thouartdeartomysight——ayeveninyondeath-
　　sheet。Greeting，sweet，myMay！IlaidtheestiffandcoldintheearthatMiddalhof，but，likealovingwife，thouhastburstthybonds，andartcometosavemefromthegripoftrolls。Thouartwelcome，Gudruda，Asmund’sdaughter！Come，wife，sitthouatmyside。”
　　TheghostofGudrudaspakenoword。Shewalkedthroughthefiretowardshim，andtheflameswentoutbeneathherfeet，toburnupagainwhenshehadpassed。ThenshesatdownoveragainstEricandlookedonhimwithwideandtendereyes。Thricehestretchedouthisarmstoclaspher，butthricetheirstrengthleftthemandtheyfellbacktohisside。Itwasasthoughtheystruckawalloficeandwerenumbedbythebittercold。
　　“Look，herearemore。”groanedSkallagrim。
　　ThenEriclooked，andlo！theemptyspacetotheleftofthefirewasfilledwithshadowyshapeslikeshapesofmist。AmongstthemwasGizur，Ospakar’sson，andmanyamanofhiscompany。There，too，wasSwanhild，Groa’sdaughter，andatoadnestledinherbreast。ShelookedwithwideeyesupontheeyesofdeadGudruda’sghost，thatseemednottoseeher，andastareoffearwassetonherlovelyface。
　　Norwasthisall；forthere，beforethatshadowythrong，stoodtwogreatshapescladintheirharness，andonewastheshapeofEricandonetheshapeofSkallagrim。
　　Thus，beingyetalive，didthesetwolookupontheirownwraiths！
　　ThenEricandSkallagrimcriedoutaloudandtheirbrainsswamandtheirsensesleftthem，sothattheyswooned。
　　Whentheyopenedtheireyesandlifecamebacktothemthefirewasdead，anditwasday。Norwasthereanysignofthatcompanywhichhadbeengatheredontherockbeforethem。
　　“Skallagrim。”quothEric，“itseemsthatIhavedreamedastrangedream——amoststrangedreamofNornsandtrolls！“
　　“Tellmethydream，lord。”saidSkallagrim。
　　SoErictoldallthevision，andtheBaresarklistenedinsilence。
　　“Itwasnodream，lord。”saidSkallagrim，“forImyselfhaveseenthesamethings。Nowthisisinmymind，thatyondersunisthelastthatweshallsee，forwehavebeheldthedeath-shadows。AllthosewhoweregatheredherelastnightwaittowelcomeusonBifrostBridge。Andthemist-shapeswhosatthere，amongstwhomourwraithswerenumbered，aretheshapesofthosewhoshalldieinthegreatfightto-day。Fordaysarefledandwearesped！“
　　“Iwouldnothaveitotherwise。”saidEric。“WehavebeengreatlyhonouredoftheGods，andoftheghost-kindthatarearoundusandaboveus。Nowletusmakereadytodieasbecomesmenwhohaveneverturnedbacktoblow，fortheendofthestoryshouldfitthebeginning，andofusthereisataletotell。”
　　“Agoodword，lord。”answeredSkallagrim：“Ihavestruckfewstrokestobeshamedof，andIdonotfeartotreadBifrostBridgeinthycompany。Nowwewillwashourselvesandeat，sothatourstrengthmaybewholeinus。”
　　Sotheywashedthemselveswithwater，andatemerrily，andforthefirsttimeformanymonthsEricwasmerry。Fornowthattheendwasathandhisheartgrewlightwithinhim。Andwhentheyhadputthedesireoffoodfromthem，andbuckledontheirharness，theylookedoutfromtheirmountainheight，andsawacloudofdustriseinthedesertplainofblacksandbeneath，andthroughitthesheenofspears。
　　“Herecomethoseofwhom，ifthereistruthinvisions，somefewshallnevergobackagain。”saidEric。“Now，whatcounselhastthou，Skallagrim？Whereshallwemeetthem？Hereonthespaceofrock，oryonderinthedeepwayofthecliff？“
　　“Mycounselisthatwemeetthemhere。”saidSkallagrim，“andcutthemdownonebyoneastheytrytoturntherock。Theycanscarcelycomeatustoslayusheresolongasourarmshavestrengthtosmite。”
　　“Yettheywillcome，thoughIknownothow。”answeredEric，“forIamsureofthis，thatourdeathliesbeforeus。Here，then，wewillmeetthem。”
　　Nowthecloudofdustdrewnearer，andtheysawthatthiswasagreatcompanywhichcameupagainstthem。Atthefootofthefellthemenstayedandrestedawhile，anditwasnottillafternoonthattheybegantoclimbthemountain。
　　“Nightwillbeathandbeforethegameisplayed。”saidSkallagrim。
　　“See，theyclimbslowly，savingtheirstrength，andyonderamongthemisSwanhildinapurplecloak。”
　　“Ay，nightwillbeathand，Skallagrim——alastlongnight！Ahundredtotwo——theoddsareheavy；yetsomeshallwishthemheavier。Nowletusbindonourhelms。”
　　MeanwhileGizurandhisfolkcreptupthepathsfrombelow。Nowthatthrallwhoknewthesecretwayhadgoneonwithsixchosenmen，andalreadytheyclimbedthewatercourseanddrewneartotheflatcrestofthefell。ButEricandSkallagrimknewnothingofthis。Sotheysatdownbytheturningplacethatisoverthegulfandwaited，singingofthetakingoftheRavenandoftheslayinginthesteadatMiddalhof，andtellingtalesofdeedsthattheyhaddone。Andthethrallandhissixmenclimbedontillatlengththeygainedthecrestofthefell，and，lookingover，sawEricandSkallagrimbeneaththem。
　　“Thebirdsareinthesnare，andhark！theysing。”saidthethrall；
　　“nowbringrocksandbesilent。”
　　ButGizurandhispeople，havinglearnedthatEricandSkallagrimwerealoneuponthemountain，pushedon。
　　“Wehavenotmuchtofearfromtwomen。”saidGizur。
　　“Thatweshalllearnpresently。”answeredSwanhild。“Itelltheethis，thatIsawstrangesightslastnight，thoughIdidnotsleep。ImaysleeplittlenowthatGudrudaisdead，forthatwhichIsawinhereyeshauntsme。”
　　Thentheywenton，andthefaceofGizurgrewwhitewithfear。
　　XXXIII
　　HOWERICANDSKALLAGRIMFOUGHTTHEIRLASTGREATFIGHT
　　NowthethrallandthosewithhimonthecrestofthefellheardthemurmurofthecompanyofGizurandSwanhildastheywonthemountainside，thoughtheycouldnotseethembecauseoftherocks。
　　“Nowitistimetobeginandknockthesebirdsfromtheirperch。”saidthethrall，“forthatisanawkwardcornerforourfolktoturnwithWhitefireandtheaxeofSkallagrimwaitingonthefartherside。”
　　Sohebalancedagreatstone，asheavyasthreemencouldlift，onthebrowoftherock，andaimedit。Thenhepushedandletitgo。Itsmotetheplatformbeneathwithacrash，twofathomsbehindthespotwhereEricandSkallagrimsat。Thenitflewintotheair，and，justasBrighteyesturnedatthesound，itstruckthewingsofhishelm，and，burstingthestraps，torethegoldenhelm-piecefromhisheadandcarrieditawayintothegulfbeneath。
　　Skallagrimlookedupandsawwhathadcomeabout。
　　“Theyhavegainedthecrestofthefell。”hecried。“Nowwemustflyintothecaveordownthenarrowwayandholdit。”
　　“Downthenarrowway，then。”saidEric，andwhilerocks，spearsandarrowsrushedbetweenandaroundthem，theysteppedontothestoneandwonthepathbeyond。Itwasclear，forGizur’sfolkhadnotyetcome，andtheyrannearlytothemouthofit，wheretherewasabendintheway，andstoodtheresidebyside。
　　“Thouwastatdeath’sdoorthen，lord！“saidSkallagrim。
　　“Head-pieceisnothead。”answeredEric；“butIwonderhowtheywonthecrestofthefell。Ihaveneverheardtellofanypathbywhichitmightbegained。”
　　“Theretheyareattheleast。”saidSkallagrim。“Nowthisismywill，thatthoushouldsttakemyhelm。IamBaresarkandputlittletrustinharness，butratherinmyaxeandstrengthalone。”
　　“Iwillnotdothat。”saidEric。“Listen：Ihearthemcome。”
　　Presentlythetumultofvoicesandthetrampoffeetgrewclearer，andafterawhileGizur，Swanhild，andthemenoftheirfollowingturnedthecornerofthenarrowway，andlo！therebeforethem——aywithinthreepacesofthem——stoodEricandSkallagrimshouldertoshoulder，andthelightpoureddownuponthemfromabove。
　　Theywereterribletosee，andthelightshonebrightlyonEric’sgoldenhairandWhitefire’sflashingblade，andtheshadowslaydarkontheblackhelmofSkallagrimandinthefierceblackeyesbeneath。
　　BacksurgedGizurandthosewithhim。Skallagrimwouldhavesprunguponthem，butEriccaughthimbythearm，saying：“AtrucetothyBaresarkways。Rushnotandmovenot！Letusstandheretilltheyoverwhelmus。”
　　NowthosebehindGizurcriedouttoknowwhatailedthemthattheypushedback。
　　“Onlythis。”saidGizur，“thatEricBrighteyesandSkallagrimLambstailstandliketwogreywolvesandholdthenarrowway。”
　　“Nowweshallhavefightingworththetellingof。”quothKeteltheviking。“On，Gizur，Ospakar’sson，andcutthemdown！“
　　“Hold！“saidSwanhild；“IwillspeakwithEricfirst。”and，togetherwithGizurandKetel，shepassedroundthecornerofthepathandcamefacetofacewiththosewhostoodatbaythere。
　　“Nowyield，Eric。”shecried。“Foesarebehindandbeforethee。Thouarttrapped，andhastlittlechanceoflife。Yieldthee，Isay，withthyblackwolf-hound，soperchancethoumayestfindmercyevenatthehandsofherwhosehusbandthoudidstwrongandslay。”
　　“Itisnotmywaytoyield，lady。”answeredEric，“andstilllessperchanceisitthewayofSkallagrim。Leastofallwillweyieldtotheewho，afterworkingmanyills，didstthrowmeinawitch-sleep，andtohimwhoslewthewifesleepingatmyside。Hearken，Swanhild：
　　herewestand，awaitingdeath，norwillwetakemercyfromthyhand。
　　Forknowthis，weshallnotdiealone。LastnightaswesatonMosfellwesawtheNornsweaveourweboffateupontheirloomofdarkness。
　　TheysatonHelca’sdomeandwovetheirpicturesinlivingflame，thenrentthewebandflewupwardandsouthwardandwestward，cryingourdoomtoskyandearthandsea。LastnightaswesatbythefireonMosfellallthecompanyofthedeadweregatheredroundus——ay！andallthecompanyofthosewhoshalldieto-day。Thouwastthere，Gizurthemurderer，Ospakar’sson！thouwastthere，Swanhildthewitch，Groa’sdaughter！thouwastthere，KetelViking！withmanyanotherman；
　　andtherewerewetwoalso。Valkyrieshavekissedusanddeathdrawsnear。Therefore，talknomore，butcomeandmakeanend。Greeting，Gizur，thouwoman-murderer！Drawnigh！drawnigh！Outsword！upshield！andon，thousonofOspakar！“
　　Swanhildspokenomore，andGizurhadnoword。
　　“On，Gizur！Ericcallsthee。”quothKetelViking；butGizurslunkback，notforward。
　　ThenKetelgrewmadwithrageandshame。Hecalledtothemen，andtheydrewnear，asmanyasmight，andlookeddoubtfullyatthepairwhostoodbeforethemlikerocksuponaplain。EriclaughedaloudandSkallagrimgnawedtheedgeofhisshield。Ericlaughedaloudandthesoundofhislaughterranuptherocks。
　　“Wearebuttwo。”hecried，“andyearemany！IsthereneverapairamongyouwillstandfacetofacewithaBaresarkandahelmlessman？“
　　andhetossedWhitefirehighintotheairandcaughtitbythehilt。
　　ThenKetelandanothermanofhisfollowingsprangforwardwithanoath，andtheiraxesthunderedloudontheshieldsofEricandofSkallagrim。ButWhitefireflickeredupandtheaxeofSkallagrimcrashed，andatoncetheirkneeswereloosened，sothattheysankdowndead。
　　“Moremen！moremen！“criedEric。“Thesewerebrave，buttheirmightwaslittle。MoremenfortheGreyWolf’smaw！“
　　ThenSwanhildlashedthefolkwithbitterwords，andtwoofthemsprangon。Theysprangonlikehoundsuponadeeratbay，andtheyrolledbackasgoredhoundsrollfromthedeer’shorns。
　　“Moremen！moremen！“criedEric。“Hereliebutfourandahundredpressbehind。NowheshallwingreathonourwholaysBrighteyeslowandbringsdownthehelmofSkallagrim。”
　　Againtwocameon，buttheyfoundnoluck，forpresentlytheyalsoweredownuponthebodiesofthosewhowentbefore。Nownonecouldbefoundtocomeupagainstthepair，fortheyfoughtlikeBaldurandThor，andnonecouldtouchthem，andnoharnessmightwithstandtheweightoftheirblowsthatshorethroughshieldandhelmandbyrnie，deeptothebonebeneath。ThenEricandSkallagrimleanedupontheirweaponsandmockedtheirfoes，whilethesecursedandtoretheirbeardswithrageandshame。
　　NowitistobetoldthatwhenthethrallandthosewithhimsawEricandSkallagrimhadescapedtheirrocksandspears，theytookcounsel，andtheendofitwasthattheysliddownaropetotheplatformthatisunderthecrestofthefell。Thence，thoughtheycouldseenothing，theycouldheartheclangofblowsandtheshoutsofthosewhofoughtandfell——ay！andthemockingofEricandofSkallagrim。
　　“Nowitgoesthus。”saidthethrall，whowasacunningman：“EricandSkallagrimholdthenarrowwayandnonecanstandagainstthem。This，then，ismyrede：thatweturntherockandtakethemintheback。”
　　Hisfellowsthoughtthisagoodsaying，andonebyonetheystooduponthelittlerockandwonthenarrowway。TheycreptalongthistilltheywereneartoEricandSkallagrim。NowSwanhild，lookingup，sawthemandstarted。Skallagrimnotedthisandglancedoverhisshoulder，andthatnottoosoon，for，ashelooked，thethrallliftedswordtosmitetheheadofEric。
　　Withashoutof“Backtoback！“theBaresarkswungroundandereevertheswordmightfallhisaxewasburieddeepinthethrall’sbreast。
　　“Nowwemustcutourpaththroughthem。”saidSkallagrim，“and，ifitmaybe，winthespacethatisbeforethecave。Keepthemoffinfront，andIwillmindthesemannikins。”
　　NowGizur’sfolk，seeingwhathadcomeabout，tookheartandfelluponEricwitharush，andthosewhowerewiththedeadthrallrushedatSkallagrim，andtherebegansuchafightashasnotbeenknowninIceland。Butthewaywassonarrowthatscarcemorethanonemancouldcometoeachofthematatime。AndsofierceandtrueweretheblowsofEricandSkallagrimthatofthosewhocameonfewwentback。Downtheyfell，andwheretheyfelltheydied，andforeverymanwhodiedEricandSkallagrimwonapacetowardsthepointofrock。WhitefireflamedsoswiftandsweptsowidethatitseemedtoSwanhild，watching，asthoughthreeswordswerealoftatonce，andtheaxeofSkallagrimthundereddownliketheaxeofawoodmanagainstatree，andthosegroanedonwhomitfellasgroansafallingtree。Nowtheshieldsofthesetwainwerehewnthroughandthrough，andcastaway，andtheirbloodranfrommanywounds。Still，theirlifewaswholeinthemandtheypliedaxeandswordwithbothhands。Andevermenfell，andever，fightinghard，theydrewnearertothepointofrock。
　　Nowitwaswon，andnowallthecompanythatcamewiththethrallfromoverthemountainbrowweredeadorsorelywoundedatthehandsofblackSkallagrim。Lo！onespringsonEric，andGizurcreepsbehindhim。Whitefireleapstomeetthemananddoesnotleapinvain；butGizursmitesacowardblowatEric’suncoveredhead，andwoundshimsorely，sothathefallstohisknee。
　　“NowIamsmittentothedeath，Skallagrim。”criesEric。“Wintherockandleaveme。”Yetherisesfromhisknee。
　　ThenSkallagrimturns，redwithbloodandterribletosee。
　　“’Tisbutascratch。Climbthoutherock——Ifollow。”hesays，and，screaminglikeahorse，withweaponaloftheleapsaloneuponthefoe。
　　TheybreakbeforetheBaresarkrush；theybreak，theyfall——theyareclovenbyBaresarkaxeandtroddenofBaresarkfeet！Theyrollback，leavingthewayclear——saveforthedead。ThenSkallagrimfollowsBrighteyestotherock。
　　NowEricwipesthegorefromhiseyesandsees。Then，slowly，andwithareelingbrain，hestepsdownuponthegiddypoint。Hegoesneartofalling，yetdoesnotfall，fornowheliesupontheopenspace，andcreepsonhandsandkneestotherock-wallthatisbythecave，andsitsrestinghisbackagainstit，Whitefireonhisknee。
　　Beforeheisthere，Skallagrimstaggerstohissidewitharush。
　　“Nowwehavetimetobreathe，lord。”hegasps。“See，hereiswater。”
　　andhetakesapitcherthatstandsby，andgivesErictodrinkfromthepool，thendrinkshimselfandpourstherestofthewateronEric’swound。Thennewlifecomestothem，andtheybothstandontheirfeetandwinbacktheirbreath。
　　“Wehavenotdonesobadly！“saysSkallagrim，“andwearestillamatchforoneortwo。See，theycome！Say，whereshallwemeetthem，lord？“
　　“Here。”quothEric；“Icannotstandwelluponmylegswithoutthehelpoftherock。NowIamallunmeetforfight。”
　　“Yetshallthislaststandofthinebesungof！“saysSkallagrim。
　　Nowfindingnonetostaythem，themenofGizurclimbonebyoneupontherockandwinthespacethatisbeyond。Swanhildgoesfirstofall，becausesheknowswellthatEricwillnotharmher，andafterhercomeGizurandtheothers。Butmanydonotcome，fortheywillliftswordnomore。
　　NowSwanhilddrawsnearandlooksonEricandmockshiminthefiercenessofherheartandtherageofherwolf-love。
　　“Now。”shesays，“nowareBrighteyesdimeyes！What！weepestthou，Eric？“
　　“Ay，Swanhild。”heanswered，“Iweeptearsofbloodforthosewhomthouhastbroughttodoom。”
　　Shedrawsnearerandspeakslowtohim：“Hearken，Eric。Yieldthee！
　　Thouhastdoneenoughforhonour，andthouartnotsmittentothedeathofyondercowardlyhound。YieldandIwillnursetheebacktohealthandbeartheehence，andtogetherwewillforgetourhatesandwoes。”
　　“Nottwicemayamanlieinawitch’sbed。”saidEric，“andmytrothisplightedtootherthanthee，Swanhild。”
　　“Sheisdead。”saysSwanhild。
　　“Yes，sheisdead，Swanhild；andIgotoseekheramongstthedead——I
　　gotoseekherandtofindher！“
　　ButthefaceofSwanhildgrewfierceasthewintersea。
　　“Thouhastputmeawayforthelasttime，Eric！Nowthoushaltdie，asIhavepromisedtheeandasIpromisedGudrudatheFair！“
　　“SoshallIthemorequicklyfindGudrudaandlosesightofthyevilface，Swanhildtheharlot！Swanhildthemurderess！Swanhildthewitch！
　　ForIknowthis：thoushaltnotescape！——thydoomdrawsonalso！——andhauntedandaccursedshaltthoubeforever！Faretheewell，Swanhild；
　　weshallmeetnomore，andthehourcomeswhenthoushaltgrievethatthouwasteverborn！“
　　NowSwanhildturnedandcalledtothefolk：“Come，cutdowntheseoutlawroguesandmakeanend。Come，cutthemdown，fornightdrawson。”
　　ThenoncemorethemenofGizurclosedinuponthem。Ericsmotethriceandthricetheblowwenthome，thenhecouldsmitenomore，forhisstrengthwasspentwithtoilandwounds，andhesankupontheground。
　　ForawhileSkallagrimstoodoverhimlikeashe-bearo’erheryoungandheldthemobatbay。ThenGizur，watching，castaspearatEric。
　　Itenteredhissidethroughacleftinhisbyrnieandpiercedhimdeep。
　　“Iamsped，SkallagrimLambstail。”criedEricinaloudvoice，andallmendrewbacktoseegiantBrighteyesdie。Nowhisheadfellagainsttherockandhiseyesclosed。
　　ThenSkallagrim，stooping，drewoutthespearandkissedEricontheforehead。
　　“Farewell，EricBrighteyes！“hesaid。“Icelandshallneverseesuchanotherman，andfewhavediedsogreatadeath。Tarryawhile，lord；
　　tarryawhile——Icome——Icome！“
　　Thencrying“/Eric！Eric！/“theBaresarkfittookhim，andoncemoreandforthelasttimeSkallagrimrushedscreaminguponthefoe，andoncemoretheyrolledtoearthbeforehim。Toandfroherushed，dealinggreatblows，andeverashewenttheystabbedandcutandthrustathissideandback，fortheydarednotstandbeforehim，tillhebledfromahundredwounds。Now，havingslainthreemoremen，andwoundedtwoothers，Skallagrimmightnomore。Hestoodamomentswayingtoandfro，thenlethisaxedrop，threwhisarmshighabovehim，andwithoneloudcryof“/Eric！/“fellasarockfalls——deaduponthedead。
　　ButEricwasnotyetgone。HeopenedhiseyesandsawthedeathofSkallagrimandsmiled。
　　“Wellended，Lambstail！“hesaidinafaintvoice。
　　“Lo！“criedGizur，“yonoutlawedhoundstilllives！NowIwilldoaneedfultaskandmakeanendofhim，andsoshallOspakar’sswordcomebacktoOspakar’sson。”
　　“Thouartwondrousbravenowthatthebearliesdying！“saidSwanhild。
　　NowitseemedthatEricheardthewords，forsuddenlyhismightcamebacktohim，andhestaggeredtohiskneesandthencetohisfeet。
　　Then，asfolkfallfromhim，withallhisstrengthhewhirlsWhitefireroundhisheadtillitshineslikeawheeloffire。“ThyserviceisdoneandthouartcleanofGudruda’sblood——gobacktothosewhoforgedthee！“Brighteyescries，andcastsWhitefirefromhimtowardsthegulf。
　　Awayspeedsthegreatblade，flashinglikelightningthroughtheraysofthesettingsun，andbehold！asmenwatchitisgone——goneinmid-
　　air！
　　SincethatdaynosuchswordasWhitefirehasbeenknowninIceland。
　　“Nowslaythoume，Gizur。”saysthedyingEric。
　　Gizurcomesonwithlittleeagerness，andEriccriesaloud：
　　“SwordlessIslewthyfather！——swordless，shieldless，andwoundedtothedeathIwillyetslay/thee/，GizurtheMurderer！“andwithaloudcryhestaggeredtowardshim。
　　Gizursmiteshimwithhissword，butEricdoesnotstay，andwhilemenwaitandwonder，Brighteyessweepshimintohisgreatarms——ay，sweepshimup，liftshimfromthegroundandreelson。
　　Ericreelsontothebrinkofthegulf。Gizurseeshispurpose，strugglesandshrieksaloud。ButthestrengthofthedyingEricismorethanthestrengthofGizur。NowBrighteyesstandsonthedizzyedgeandthelightofthepassingsunflamesabouthishead。Andnow，bearingGizurwithhim，hehurlshimselfoutintothegulf，andlo！
　　thesunsinks！
　　Menstandwondering，butSwanhildcriesaloud：
　　“Noblydone，Eric！noblydone！SoIwouldhaveseentheediewhoofallmenwastthefirst！“
　　ThisthenwastheendofEricBrighteyestheUnlucky，whoofallwarriorsthathavelivedinIcelandwasthemightiest，thegoodliest，andthebestbelovedofwomenandofthosewhoclungtohim。
　　Now，onthemorrow，SwanhildcausedthebodyofErictobesearchedforinthecleft，andtheretheyfoundit，floatinginwaterandwiththedeadGizuryetclaspedinitsbear-grip。Thenshecleanseditandclotheditagaininitsrentarmour，andboundontheHell-shoes，anditwascarriedonhorsestothesea-side，andwithitwerebornethebodiesofSkallagrimLambstailtheBaresark，Eric’sthrall，andofallthosemenwhomtheyhadslaininthelastgreatfightonMosfell，thatisnownamedEricsfell。
　　ThenSwanhilddrewherlongdragonofwar，inwhichshehadcomefromOrkneys，fromitsshedoveragainstWestmanIsles，andinthecentreoftheship，shepiledthebodiesoftheslainintheshapeofabed，andlashedthemfast。AndonthisbedshelaidthecorpseofEricBrighteyes，andthebreastofblackSkallagrimtheBaresarkwashispillow，andthebreastofGizur，Ospakar’sson，washisfoot-rest。
　　Thenshecausedthesailstobehoisted，andwentaloneaboardthelongship，therailsofwhichwerehungwiththeshieldsofthedeadmen。
　　Andwhenateveningthebreezefreshenedtoagalethatblewfromtheland，shecutthecablewithherownhand，andtheshipleaptforwardlikeathingalive，andrushedoutintheredlightofthesunsettowardstheopensea。
　　Noweverthegalefreshenedandfolk，standingonWestmanHeights，sawthelongshipplungepast，dippingherprowbeneaththewavesandsendingthewaterinarainofsprayoverthelivingSwanhild，overthedeadEricandthosehelayupon。
　　AndbytheheadofEricBrighteyes，herhairstreamingonthewind，stoodSwanhildtheWitch，cladinherpurplecloak，andwithringsofgoldaboutherthroatandarms。ShestoodbyEric’shead，swayingwiththerushoftheship，andsingingsosweetandwildasongthatmengrewweakwhoheardit。
　　Now，asthepeoplewatched，twowhiteswanscamedownfromthecloudsandspedonwidewingssidebysideoverthevessel’smast。
　　Theshiprushedonthroughtheglowofsunsetintothegatheringnight。Onspedtheship，butstillSwanhildsung，andstilltheswansflewoverher。
　　Thegalegrewfierce，andfierceryet。Thedarknessgathereddeepupontheragingsea。
　　Nowthatshipwasseennomore，andthedeath-songofSwanhildasshepassedtodoomwasneverheardagain。
　　Forswansandship，andSwanhild，anddeadEricandhisdeadfoes，werelostinthewindandthenight。
　　Butfaroutontheseaagreatflameoffireleaptuptowardsthesky。
　　NowthisisthetaleofEricBrighteyes，Thorgrimur’sson；ofGudrudatheFair，Asmund’sdaughter；ofSwanhildtheFatherless，Atli’swife，andofOunound，namedSkallagrimLambstail，theBaresark，Eric’sthrall，allofwhomlivedanddiedbeforeThangbrand，Wilibald’sson，preachedtheWhiteChristinIceland。
　　End