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。”