第1章

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。”