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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:14:38 -0700 |
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diff --git a/265-h/265-h.htm b/265-h/265-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5289204 --- /dev/null +++ b/265-h/265-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,3592 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Life and Death of Cormac the Skald, by Unknown Author + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-family: times new rorman; font-style: italic; font-size: 100%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's The Life and Death of Cormac the Skald, by Unknown + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Life and Death of Cormac the Skald + Anonymous Icelandic Epic, 1250-1300 A.D., Although Parts + may be Based on a now Lost 12th Century Saga + +Author: Unknown + +Translator: W.G. Collingwood and J. Stefansson + +Release Date: July 3, 2008 [EBook #265] +Last Updated: March 9, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE AND DEATH OF CORMAC *** + + + + +Produced by Doublas B. Killings and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + LIFE AND DEATH OF CORMAC THE SKALD + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Unknown Author + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h4> + Originally written in Icelandic sometime between 1250 - 1300 A.D.<br /> + although parts may be based on a now lost 12th century saga. + </h4> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Translation by W.G. Collingwood & J. Stefansson (Ulverston, 1901). + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER ONE. </a> Cormac's + Fore-Elders. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER TWO. </a> How + Cormac Was Born and Bred. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER + THREE. </a> How Cormac Fell In Love. <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER FOUR. </a> How Cormac Liked + Black-Puddings. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER FIVE. </a> They + Waylay Cormac: And The Witch Curses Him. <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER SIX. </a> Cormac Wins His Bride + and Loses Her. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER SEVEN. </a> How + Steingerd Was Married To Somebody Else. <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER EIGHT. </a> How Cormac Chased + Bersi And His Bride. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER NINE. + </a> Of Another Witch, And Two Magic Swords. <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER TEN. </a> The Fight On + Leidarholm. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER ELEVEN. </a> The + Songs That Were Made About The Fight. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0012"> + CHAPTER TWELVE. </a> Bersi's Bad Luck At The Thor's-Ness + Thing. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER THIRTEEN. </a> Steingerd + Leaves Bersi. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER FOURTEEN. </a> The + Bane Of Thorkel Toothgnasher. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0015"> + CHAPTER FIFTEEN. </a> The Rescue Of Steinvor Slim-ankles. + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER SIXTEEN. </a> How + Vali Fell Before An Old Man And A Boy. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0017"> + CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. </a> How Steingerd Was Married Again. + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER EIGHTEEN. </a> Cormac's + Voyage To Norway. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER NINETEEN. + </a> How Cormac Fought In Ireland, And Went Home <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER TWENTY. </a> Of A Spiteful + Song That Cormac Never Made <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER + TWENTY-ONE. </a> How Thorvard Would Not Fight <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO. </a> What The Witch + Did For Them In Their Fights. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0023"> + CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE. </a> How Cormac Beat Thorvard Again. + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR. </a> How + They All Went Out To Norway. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER + TWENTY-FIVE. </a> How They Cruised With The King's Fleet + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX. </a> How + Cormac Saved Steingerd Once More From Pirates <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN. </a> The + Swan-Songs of Cormac. <br /><br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER ONE. Cormac's Fore-Elders. + </h2> + <p> + Harald Fairhair was king of Norway when this tale begins. There was a + chief in the kingdom in those days and his name was Cormac; one of the + Vik-folk by kindred, a great man of high birth. He was the mightiest of + champions, and had been with King Harald in many battles. + </p> + <p> + He had a son called Ogmund, a very hopeful lad; big and sturdy even as a + child; who when he was grown of age and come to his full strength, took to + sea-roving in summer and served in the king's household in winter. So he + earned for himself a good name and great riches. + </p> + <p> + One summer he went roving about the British Isles and there he fell in + with a man named Asmund Ashenside, who also was a great champion and had + worsted many vikings and men of war. These two heard tell of one another + and challenges passed between them. They came together and fought. Asmund + had the greater following, but he withheld some of his men from the + battle: and so for the length of four days they fought, until many of + Asmund's people were fallen, and at last he himself fled. Ogmund won the + victory and came home again with wealth and worship. + </p> + <p> + His father said that he could get no greater glory in war,—“And + now,” said he, “I will find thee a wife. What sayest thou to Helga, + daughter of Earl Frodi?” + </p> + <p> + “So be it,” said Ogmund. + </p> + <p> + Upon this they set off to Earl Frodi's house, and were welcomed with all + honour. They made known their errand, and he took it kindly, although he + feared that the fight with Asmund was likely to bring trouble. + Nevertheless this match was made, and then they went their ways home. A + feast was got ready for the wedding and to that feast a very great company + came together. + </p> + <p> + Helga the daughter of Earl Frodi had a nurse that was a wise woman, and + she went with her. Now Asmund the viking heard of this marriage, and set + out to meet Ogmund. He bade him fight, and Ogmund agreed. + </p> + <p> + Helga's nurse used to touch men when they went to fight: so she did with + Ogmund before he set out from home, and told him that he would not be hurt + much. + </p> + <p> + Then they both went to the fighting holm and fought. The viking laid bare + his side, but the sword would not bite upon it. Then Ogmund whirled about + his sword swiftly and shifted it from hand to hand, and hewed Asmund's leg + from under him: and three marks of gold he took to let him go with his + life. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWO. How Cormac Was Born and Bred. + </h2> + <p> + About this time King Harald Fairhair died, and Eric Bloodaxe reigned in + his stead. Ogmund would have no friendship with Eric, nor with Gunnhild, + and made ready his ship for Iceland. + </p> + <p> + Nor Ogmund and Helga had a son called Frodi: but when the ship was nearly + ready, Helga took a sickness and died; and so did their son Frodi. + </p> + <p> + After that, they sailed to sea. When they were near the land, Ogmund cast + overboard his high-seat-pillars; and where the high-seat-pillars had + already been washed ashore, there they cast anchor, and landed in + Midfiord. + </p> + <p> + At this time Skeggi of Midfiord ruled the countryside. He came riding + toward them and bade them welcome into the firth, and gave them the pick + of the land: which Ogmund took, and began to mark out ground for a house. + Now it was a belief of theirs that as the measuring went, so would the + luck go: if the measuring-wand seemed to grow less when they tried it + again and again, so would that house's luck grow less: and if it grew + greater, so would the luck be. This time the measure always grew less, + though they tried it three times over. + </p> + <p> + So Ogmund built him a house on the sandhills, and lived there ever after. + He married Dalla, the daughter of Onund the Seer, and their sons were + Thorgils and Cormac. Cormac was dark-haired, with a curly lock upon his + forehead: he was bright of blee and somewhat like his mother, big and + strong, and his mood was rash and hasty. Thorgils was quiet and easy to + deal with. + </p> + <p> + When the brothers were grown up, Ogmund died; and Dalla kept house with + her sons. Thorgils worked the farm, under the eye of Midfiord-Skeggi. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER THREE. How Cormac Fell In Love. + </h2> + <p> + There was a man named Thorkel lived at Tunga (Tongue). He was a wedded + man, and had a daughter called Steingerd who was fostered in Gnupsdal + (Knipedale). + </p> + <p> + Now it was one autumn that a whale came ashore at Vatnsnes (Watsness), and + it belonged to the brothers, Dalla's sons. Thorgils asked Cormac would he + rather go shepherding on the fell, or work at the whale. He chose to fare + on the fell with the house-carles. + </p> + <p> + Tosti, the foreman, it was should be master of the sheep-gathering: so he + and Cormac went together until they came to Gnupsdal. It was night: there + was a great hall, and fires for men to sit at. + </p> + <p> + That evening Steingerd came out of her bower, and a maid with her. Said + the maid, “Steingerd mine, let us look at the guests.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” she said, “no need”: and yet went to the door, and stepped on the + threshold, and spied across the gate. Now there was a space between the + wicker and the threshold, and her feet showed through. Cormac saw that, + and made this song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (1) + “At the door of my soul she is standing, + So sweet in the gleam of her garment: + Her footfall awakens a fury, + A fierceness of love that I knew not, + Those feet of a wench in her wimple, + Their weird is my sorrow and troubling, + —Or naught may my knowledge avail me— + Both now and for aye to endure.” + </pre> + <p> + Then Steingerd knew she was seen. She turned aside into a corner where the + likeness of Hagbard was carved on the wall, and peeped under Hagbard's + beard. Then the firelight shone upon her face. + </p> + <p> + “Cormac,” said Tosti, “seest eyes out yonder by that head of Hagbard?” + </p> + <p> + Cormac answered in song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (2) + “There breaks on me, burning upon me, + A blaze from the cheeks of a maiden, + —I laugh not to look on the vision— + In the light of the hall by the doorway. + So sweet and so slender I deem her, + Though I spy bug a glimpse of an ankle + By the threshold:—and through me there flashes + A thrill that shall age never more.” + </pre> + <p> + And then he made another song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (3) + “The moon of her brow, it is beaming + 'Neath the bright-litten heaven of her forehead: + So she gleams in her white robe, and gazes + With a glance that is keen as the falcon's. + But the star that is shining upon me + What spell shall it work by its witchcraft? + Ah, that moon of her brow shall be mighty + With mischief to her—and to me?” + </pre> + <p> + Said Tosti, “She is fairly staring at thee!”—And he answered:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (4) + “She's a ring-bedight oak of the ale-cup, + And her eyes never left me unhaunted. + The strife in my heart I could hide not, + For I hold myself bound in her bondage. + O gay in her necklet, and gainer + In the game that wins hearts on her chessboard,— + When she looked at me long from the doorway + Where the likeness of Hagbard is carved.” + </pre> + <p> + Then the girls went into the hall, and sat down. He heard what they said + about his looks,—the maid, that he was black and ugly, and + Steingerd, that he was handsome and everyway as best could be,—“There + is only one blemish,” said she, “his hair is tufted on his forehead:”—and + he said:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (5) + “One flaw in my features she noted + —With the flame of the wave she was gleaming + All white in the wane of the twilight— + And that one was no hideous blemish. + So highborn, so haughty a lady + —I should have such a dame to befriend me: + But she trows me uncouth for a trifle, + For a tuft in the hair on my brow!” + </pre> + <p> + Said the maid, “Black are his eyes, sister, and that becomes him not.” + Cormac heard her, and said in verse:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (6) + “Yes, black are the eyes that I bring ye, + O brave in your jewels, and dainty. + But a draggle-tail, dirty-foot slattern + Would dub me ill-favoured and sallow. + Nay, many a maiden has loved me, + Thou may of the glittering armlet: + For I've tricks of the tongue to beguile them + And turn them from handsomer lads.” + </pre> + <p> + At this house they spent the night. In the morning when Cormac rose up, he + went to a trough and washed himself; then he went into the ladies' bower + and saw nobody there, but heard folk talking in the inner room, and he + turned and entered. There was Steingerd, and women with her. + </p> + <p> + Said the maid to Steingerd, “There comes thy bonny man, Steingerd.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and a fine-looking lad he is,” said she. + </p> + <p> + Now she was combing her hair, and Cormac asked her, “Wilt thou give me + leave?” + </p> + <p> + She reached out her comb for him to handle it. She had the finest hair of + any woman. Said the maid, “Ye would give a deal for a wife with hair like + Steingerd's, or such eyes!” + </p> + <p> + He answered:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (7) + “One eye of the far of the ale-horn + Looking out of a form so bewitching, + Would a bridegroom count money to buy it + He must bring for it ransom three hundred. + The curls that she combs of a morning, + White-clothed in fair linen and spotless, + They enhance the bright hoard of her value,— + Five hundred might barely redeem them!” + </pre> + <p> + Said the maid, “It's give and take with the two of ye! But thou'lt put a + big price upon the whole of her!” He answered:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (8) + “The tree of my treasure and longing, + It would take this whole Iceland to win her: + She is dearer than far-away Denmark, + And the doughty domain of the Hun-folk. + With the gold she is combing, I count her + More costly than England could ransom: + So witty, so wealthy, my lady + Is worth them,—and Ireland beside!” + </pre> + <p> + Then Tosti came in, and called Cormac out to some work or other; but he + said:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (9) + “Take my swift-footed steel for thy tiding, + Ay, and stint not the lash to him, Tosti: + On the desolate downs ye may wander + And drive him along till he weary. + I care not o'er mountain and moorland + The murrey-brown weathers to follow,— + Far liefer, I'd linger the morning + In long, cosy chatter with Steingerd.” + </pre> + <p> + Tosti said he would find it a merrier game, and went off; so Cormac sat + down to chess, and right gay he was. Steingerd said he talked better than + folk told of; and he sat there all the day; and then he made this song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (10) + “'Tis the dart that adorneth her tresses, + The deep, dewy grass of her forehead. + So kind to my keeping she gave it, + That good comb I shall ever remember! + A stranger was I when I sought her + —Sweet stem with the dragon's hoard shining—” + With gold like the sea-dazzle gleaming— + The girl I shall never forget.” + </pre> + <p> + Tosti came off the fell and they fared home. After that Cormac used to go + to Gnupsdal often to see Steingerd: and he asked his mother to make him + good clothes, so that Steingerd might like him the most that could be. + Dalla said there was a mighty great difference betwixt them, and it was + far from certain to end happily if Thorkel at Tunga got to know. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER FOUR. How Cormac Liked Black-Puddings. + </h2> + <p> + Well Thorkel soon heard what was going forward, and thought it would turn + out to his own shame and his daughter's if Cormac would not pledge himself + to take her or leave her. So he sent for Steingerd, and she went home. + </p> + <p> + Thorkel had a man called Narfi, a noisy, foolish fellow, boastful, and yet + of little account. Said he to Thorkel, “If Cormac's coming likes thee not, + I can soon settle it.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” says Thorkel. + </p> + <p> + Now, in the autumn, Narfi's work it was to slaughter the sheep. Once, when + Cormac came to Tunga, he saw Steingerd in the kitchen. Narfi stood by the + kettle, and when they had finished the boiling, he took up a black-pudding + and thrust it under Cormac's nose, crying:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (11) + “Cormac, how would ye relish one? + Kettle-worms I call them.” + </pre> + <p> + To which he answered:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (12) + “Black-puddings boiled, quoth Ogmund's son, + Are a dainty,—fair befall them!” + </pre> + <p> + And in the evening when Cormac made ready to go home he saw Narfi, and + bethought him of those churlish words. “I think, Narfi,” said he, “I am + more like to knock thee down, than thou to rule my coming and going.” And + with that struck him an axe-hammer-blow, saying:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (13) + “Why foul with thy clowning and folly, + The food that is dressed for thy betters? + Thou blundering archer, what ails thee + To be aiming thy insults at me?” + </pre> + <p> + And he made another song about:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (14) + “He asked me, the clavering cowherd + If I cared for—what was it he called them?— + The worms of the kettle. I warrant + He'll be wiping his eyes by the hearth-stone. + I deem that yon knave of the dunghill + Who dabbles the muck on the meadow + —Yon rook in his mud-spattered raiment— + Got a rap for his noise—like a dog.” + </pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER FIVE. They Waylay Cormac: And The Witch Curses Him. + </h2> + <p> + There was a woman named Thorveig, and she knew a deal too much. She lived + at Steins-stadir (Stonestead) in Midfiord, and had two sons; the elder was + Odd, and the younger Gudmund. They were great braggarts both of them. + </p> + <p> + This Odd often came to see Thorkel at Tunga, and used to sit and talk with + Steingerd. Thorkel made a great show of friendship with the brothers, and + egged them on to waylay Cormac. Odd said it was no more than he could do. + </p> + <p> + So one day when Cormac came to Tunga, Steingerd was in the parlour and sat + on the dais. Thorveig's sons sat in the room, ready to fall upon him when + he came in; and Thorkel had put a drawn sword on one side of the door, and + on the other side Narfi had put a scythe in its shaft. When Cormac came to + the hall-door the scythe fell down and met the sword, and broke a great + notch in it. Out came Thorkel and began to upbraid Cormac for a rascal, + and got fairly wild with his talk: then flung into the parlour and bade + Steingerd out of it. Forth they went by another door, and he locked her + into an outhouse, saying that Cormac and she would never meet again. + </p> + <p> + Cormac went in: and he came quicker than folk thought for, and they were + taken aback. He looked about, and no Steingerd: but he saw the brothers + whetting their weapons: so he turned on his heel and went, saying:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (14) + “The weapon that mows in the meadow + It met with the gay painted buckler, + When I came to encounter a goddess + Who carries the beaker of wine. + Beware! for I warn you of evil + When warriors threaten me mischief. + It shall not be for nought that I pour ye + The newly mixed mead of the gods.” + </pre> + <p> + And when he could find Steingerd nowhere, he made this song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (15) + “She has gone, with the glitter of ocean + Agleam on her wrist and her bosom, + And my heart follows hard on her footsteps, + For the hall is in darkness without her. + I have gazed, but my glances can pierce not + The gloom of the desolate dwelling; + And fierce is my longing to find her, + The fair one who only can heal me.” + </pre> + <p> + After a while he came to the outhouse where Steingerd was, and burst it + open and had talk with her. + </p> + <p> + “This is madness,” cried she, “to come talking with me; for Thorveig's + sons are meant to have thy head.” + </p> + <p> + But he answered:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (16) + “There wait they within that would snare me; + There whet they their swords for my slaying. + My bane they shall be not, the cowards, + The brood of the churl and the carline. + Let the twain of them find me and fight me + In the field, without shelter to shield them, + And ewes of the sheep should be surer + To shorten the days of the wolf.” + </pre> + <p> + So he sat there all day. By that time Thorkel saw that the plan he had + made was come to nothing; and he bade the sons of Thorveig waylay Cormac + in a dale near his garth. “Narfi shall go with ye two,” said he; “but I + will stay at home, and bring you help if need be.” + </p> + <p> + In the evening Cormac set out, and when he came to the dale, he saw three + men, and said in verse:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (17) + “There sit they in hiding to stay me + From the sight of my queen of the jewels: + But rude will their task be to reave me + From the roof of my bounteous lady. + The fainer the hatred they harbour + For him that is free of her doorway, + The fainer my love and my longing + For the lass that is sweeter than samphire.” + </pre> + <p> + Then leaped up Thorveig's sons, and fought Cormac for a time: Narfi the + while skulked and dodged behind them. Thorkel saw from his house that they + were getting but slowly forward, and he took his weapons. In that nick of + time Steingerd came out and saw what her father meant. She laid hold on + his hands, and he got no nearer to help the brothers. In the end Odd fell, + and Gudmund was so wounded that he died afterwards. Thorkel saw to them, + and Cormac went home. + </p> + <p> + A little after this Cormac went to Thorveig and said he would have her no + longer live there at the firth. “Thou shalt flit and go thy way at such a + time,” said he, “and I will give no blood-money for thy sons.” + </p> + <p> + Thorveig answered, “It is like enough ye can hunt me out of the + countryside, and leave my sons unatoned. But this way I'll reward thee. + Never shalt thou have Steingerd.” + </p> + <p> + Said Cormac, “That's not for thee to make or to mar, thou wicked old hag!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER SIX. Cormac Wins His Bride and Loses Her. + </h2> + <p> + After this, Cormac went to see Steingerd the same as ever: and once when + they talked over these doings she said no ill of them: whereupon he made + this song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (18) + “There sat they in hiding to slay me + From the sight of my bride and my darling: + But weak were the feet of my foemen + When we fought on the island of weapons. + And the rush of the mightiest rivers + Shall race from the shore to the mountains + Or ever I leave thee, my lady, + And the love that I feast on to-day!” + </pre> + <p> + “Say no such big words about it,” answered she; “Many a thing may stand in + the road.” + </p> + <p> + Upon which he said:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (19) + “O sweet in the sheen of thy raiment, + The sight of thy beauty is gladdening! + What man that goes marching to battle, + What mate wouldst thou choose to be thine?” + </pre> + <p> + And she answered:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (20) + “O giver of gold, O ring-breaker, + If the gods and the high fates befriend me, + I'd pledge me to Frodi's blithe brother + And bind him that he should be mine.” + </pre> + <p> + Then she told him to make friends with her father and get her in marriage. + So for her sake Cormac gave Thorkel good gifts. Afterwards many people had + their say in the matter; but in the end it came to this,—that he + asked for her, and she was pledged to him, and the wedding was fixed: and + so all was quiet for a while. + </p> + <p> + Then they had words. There was some falling-out about settlements. It came + to such a pass that after everything was ready, Cormac began to cool off. + But the real reason was, that Thorveig had bewitched him so that they + should never have one another. + </p> + <p> + Thorkel at Tunga had a grown-up son, called Thorkel and by-named + Tooth-gnasher. He had been abroad some time, but this summer he came home + and stayed with his father. + </p> + <p> + Cormac never came to the wedding at the time it was fixed, and the hour + passed by. This the kinsfolk of Steingerd thought a slight, deeming that + he had broken off the match; and they had much talk about it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER SEVEN. How Steingerd Was Married To Somebody Else. + </h2> + <p> + Bersi lived in the land of Saurbae, a rich man and a good fellow: he was + well to the fore, a fighter, and a champion at the holmgang. He had been + married to Finna the Fair: but she was dead: Asmund was their son, young + in years and early ripe. Helga was the sister of Bersi: she was unmarried, + but a fine woman and a pushing one, and she kept house for Bersi after + Finna died. + </p> + <p> + At the farm called Muli (the Mull) lived Thord Arndisarson: he was wedded + to Thordis, sister of Bork the Stout. They had two sons who were both + younger than Asmund the son of Bersi. + </p> + <p> + There was also a man with Vali. His farm was named Vali's stead, and it + stood on the way to Hrutafiord. + </p> + <p> + Now Thorveig the spaewife went to see Holmgang Bersi and told him her + trouble. She said that Cormac forbade her staying in Midfiord: so Bersi + bought land for her west of the firth, and she lived there for a long time + afterwards. + </p> + <p> + Once when Thorkel at Tunga and his son were talking about Cormac's breach + of faith and deemed that it should be avenged, Narfi said, “I see a plan + that will do. Let us go to the west-country with plenty of goods and gear, + and come to Bersi in Saurbae. He is wifeless. Let us entangle him in the + matter. He would be a great help to us.” + </p> + <p> + That counsel they took. They journeyed to Saurbae, and Bersi welcomed + them. In the evening they talked of nothing but weddings. Narfi up and + said there was no match so good as Steingerd,—“And a deal of folk + say, Bersi, that she would suit thee.” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard tell,” he answered, “that there will be a rift in the road, + though the match is a good one.” + </p> + <p> + “If it's Cormac men fear,” cried Narfi, “there is no need; for he is clean + out of the way.” + </p> + <p> + When Bersi heard that, he opened the matter to Thorkel Toothgnasher, and + asked for Steingerd. Thorkel made a good answer, and pledged his sister to + him. + </p> + <p> + So they rode north, eighteen in all, for the wedding. There was a man + named Vigi lived at Holm, a big man and strong of his hands, a warlock, + and Bersi's kinsman. He went with them, and they thought he would be a + good helper. Thord Arndisarson too went north with Bersi, and many others, + all picked men. + </p> + <p> + When they came to Thorkel's, they set about the wedding at once, so that + no news of it might get out through the countryside: but all this was sore + against Steingerd's will. + </p> + <p> + Now Vigi the warlock knew every man's affairs who came to the steading or + left it. He sat outmost in the chamber, and slept by the hall door. + </p> + <p> + Steingerd sent for Narfi, and when they met she said,—“I wish thee, + kinsman, to tell Cormac the business they are about: I wish thee to take + this message to him.” + </p> + <p> + So he set out secretly; but when he was a gone a little way Vigi came + after, and bade him creep home and hatch no plots. They went back + together, and so the night passed. + </p> + <p> + Next morning Narfi started forth again; but before he had gone so far as + on the evening, Vigi beset him, and drove him back without mercy. + </p> + <p> + When the wedding was ended they made ready for their journey. Steingerd + took her gold and jewels, and they rode towards Hrutafiord, going rather + slowly. When they were off, Narfi set out and came to Mel. Cormac was + building a wall, and hammering it with a mallet. Narfi rode up, with his + shield and sword, and carried on strangely, rolling his eyes about like a + hunted beast. Some men were up on the wall with Cormac when he came, and + his horse shied at them. Said Cormac,—“What news, Narfi? What folk + were with you last night?” + </p> + <p> + “Small tidings, but we had guests enough,” answered he. + </p> + <p> + “Who were the guests?” + </p> + <p> + “There was Holmgang Bersi, with seventeen more to sit at his wedding.” + </p> + <p> + “Who was the bride?” + </p> + <p> + “Bersi wed Steingerd Thorkel's daughter,” said Narfi. “When they were gone + she sent me here to tell thee the news.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou hast never a word but ill,” said Cormac, and leapt upon him and + struck at the shield: and as it slipped aside he was smitten on the breast + and fell from his horse; and the horse ran away with the shield (hanging + to it). + </p> + <p> + Cormac's brother Thorgils said this was too much. “It serves him right,” + cried Cormac. And when Narfi woke out of his swoon they got speech of him. + </p> + <p> + Thorgils asked, “What manner of men were at the wedding?” + </p> + <p> + Narfi told him. + </p> + <p> + “Did Steingerd know this before?” + </p> + <p> + “Not till the very evening they came,” answered he; and then told of his + dealings with Vigi, saying that Cormac would find it easier to whistle on + Steingerd's tracks and go on a fool's errand than to fight Bersi. Then + said Cormac:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (21) + “Now see to thy safety henceforward, + And stick to thy horse and thy buckler; + Or this mallet of mine, I can tell thee, + Will meet with thine ear of a surety. + Now say no more stories of feasting, + Though seven in a day thou couldst tell of, + Or bumps thou shalt comb on thy brainpan, + Thou that breakest the howes of the dead. +</pre> + <p> + Thorgils asked about the settlements between Bersi and Steingerd. Her + kinsmen, said Narfi, were now quit of all farther trouble about that + business, however it might turn out; but her father and brother would be + answerable for the wedding. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER EIGHT. How Cormac Chased Bersi And His Bride. + </h2> + <h3> + Cormac took his horse and weapons and saddle-gear. + </h3> + <p> + “What now, brother?” asked Thorgils. + </p> + <p> + He answered:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (22) + “My bride, my betrothed has been stolen, + And Bersi the raider has robbed me. + I who offer the song-cup of Odin— + Who else?—should be riding beside her. + She loved me—no lord of them better: + I have lost her—for me she is weeping: + The dear, dainty darling that kissed me, + For day upon day of delight.” + </pre> + <p> + Said Thorgils, “A risky errand is this, for Bersi will get home before you + catch him. And yet I will go with thee.” + </p> + <p> + Cormac said he would away and bide for no man. He leapt on his horse + forthwith, and galloped as hard as he could. Thorgils made haste to gather + men,—they were eighteen in all,—and came up with Cormac on the + hause that leads to Hrutafiord, for he had foundered his horse. So they + turned to Thorveig the spaewife's farmsteading, and found that Bersi was + gone aboard her boat. + </p> + <p> + She had said to Bersi, “I wish thee to take a little gift from me, and + good luck follow it.” + </p> + <p> + This was a target bound with iron; and she said she reckoned Bersi would + hardly be hurt if he carried it to shield him,—“but it is little + worth beside this steading thou hast given me.” He thanked her for the + gift, and so they parted. Then she got men to scuttle all the boats on the + shore, because she knew beforehand that Cormac and his folk were coming. + </p> + <p> + When they came and asked her for a boat, she said she would do them no + kindness without payment;—“Here is a rotten boat in the boathouse + which I would lend for half a mark.” + </p> + <p> + Thorgils said it would be in reason if she asked two ounces of silver. + Such matters, said Cormac, should not stand in the way; but Thorgils said + he would sooner ride all round the water-head. Nevertheless Cormac had his + will, and they started in the boat; but they had scarcely put off from + shore when it filled, and they had hard work to get back to the same spot. + </p> + <p> + “Thou shouldst pay dearly for this, thou wicked old hag,” said Cormac, + “and never be paid at all.” + </p> + <p> + That was no mighty trick to play them, she said; and so Thorgils paid her + the silver; about which Cormac made this song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (23) + “I'm a tree that is tricked out in war-gear, + She, the trim rosy elf of the shuttle: + And I break into singing about her + Like the bat at the well, never ceasing. + With the dew-drops of Draupnir the golden + Full dearly folk buy them their blessings; + Then lay down three ounces and leave them + For the leaky old boat that we borrowed.” + </pre> + <p> + Bersi got hastily to horse, and rode homewards; and when Cormac saw that + he must be left behind, he made this song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (24) + “I tell you, the goddess who glitters + With gold on the perch of the falcon, + The bride that I trusted, by beauty, + From the bield of my hand has been taken. + On the boat she makes glad in its gliding + She is gone from me, reft from me, ravished! + O shame, that we linger to save her, + Too sweet for the prey of the raven! +</pre> + <p> + They took their horses and rode round the head of the firth. They met Vali + and asked about Bersi; he said that Bersi had come to Muli and gathered + men to him,—“A many men.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we are too late,” said Cormac, “if they have got men together.” + </p> + <p> + Thorgils begged Cormac to let them turn back, saying there was little + honour to be got; but Cormac said he must see Steingerd. + </p> + <p> + So Vali went with them and they came to Muli where Bersi was and many men + with him. They spoke together. Cormac said that Bersi had betrayed him in + carrying off Steingerd, “But now we would take the lady with us, and make + him amends for his honour.” + </p> + <p> + To this said Thord Arndisarson, “We will offer terms to Cormac, but the + lady is in Bersi's hands.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no hope that Steingerd will go with you,” said Bersi; “but I + offer my sister to Cormac in marriage, and I reckon he will be well wedded + if take Helga.” + </p> + <p> + “This is a good offer,” said Thorgils; “let us think of it, brother.” + </p> + <p> + But Cormac started back like a restive horse. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER NINE. Of Another Witch, And Two Magic Swords. + </h2> + <p> + There was a woman called Thordis—and a shrew she was—who lived + at Spakonufell (Spaequean's-fell), in Skagastrand. She, having foresight + of Cormac's goings, came that very day to Muli, and answered this matter + on his behalf, saying, “Never give him yon false woman. She is a fool, and + not fit for any pretty man. Woe will his mother be at such a fate for her + lad!” + </p> + <p> + “Aroint thee, foul witch!” cried Thord. They should see, said he, that + Helga would turn out fine. But Cormac answered, “Said it may be, for sooth + it may be: I will never think of her.” + </p> + <p> + “Woe to us, then,” said Thorgils, “for listening to the words of yon + fiend, and slighting this offer!” + </p> + <p> + Then spoke Cormac, “I bid thee, Bersi, to the holmgang within half a + month, at Leidholm, in Middal.” + </p> + <p> + Bersi said he would come, but Cormac should be the worse for his choice. + </p> + <p> + After this Cormac went about the steading to look for Steingerd. When he + found her he said she had betrayed him in marrying another man. + </p> + <p> + “It was thou that made the first breach, Cormac,” said she, “for this was + none of my doing.” + </p> + <p> + Then said he in verse:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (25) + “Thou sayest my faith has been forfeit, + O fair in thy glittering raiment; + But I wearied my steed and outwore it, + And for what but the love that bare thee? + O fainer by far was I, lady, + To founder my horse in the hunting— + Nay, I spared not the jade when I spurred it— + Than to see thee the bride of my foe.” + </pre> + <p> + After this Cormac and his men went home. When he told his mother how + things had gone, “Little good,” she said, “will thy luck do us. Ye have + slighted a fine offer, and you have no chance against Bersi, for he is a + great fighter and he has good weapons.” + </p> + <p> + Now, Bersi owned the sword they call Whitting; a sharp sword it was, with + a life-stone to it; and that sword he had carried in many a fray. + </p> + <p> + “Whether wilt thou have weapons to meet Whitting?” she asked. Cormac said + he would have an axe both great and keen. + </p> + <p> + Dalla said he should see Skeggi of Midfiord and ask for the loan of his + sword, Skofnung. So Cormac went to Reykir and told Skeggi how matters + stood, asking him to lend Skofnung. Skeggi said he had no mind to lend it. + Skofnung and Cormac, said he, would never agree: “It is cold and slow, and + thou art hot and hasty.” + </p> + <p> + Cormac rode away and liked it ill. He came home to Mel and told his mother + that Skeggi would not lend the sword. Now Skeggi had the oversight of + Dalla's affairs, and they were great friends; so she said, “He will lend + the sword, though not all at once.” + </p> + <p> + That was not what he wanted, answered Cormac,—“If he withhold it not + from thee, while he does withhold it from me.” Upon which she answered + that he was a thwart lad. + </p> + <p> + A few days afterwards Dalla told him to go to Reykir. “He will lend thee + the sword now,” said she. So he sought Skeggi and asked for Skofnung. + </p> + <p> + “Hard wilt thou find it to handle,” said Skeggi. “There is a pouch to it, + and that thou shalt let be. Sun must not shine on the pommel of the hilt. + Thou shalt not wear it until fighting is forward, and when ye come to the + field, sit all alone and then draw it. Hold the edge toward thee, and blow + on it. Then will a little worm creep from under the hilt. Then slope thou + the sword over, and make it easy for that worm to creep back beneath the + hilt.” + </p> + <p> + “Here's a tale of tricks, thou warlock!” cried Cormac + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless,” answered Skeggi, “it will stand thee in good stead to know + them.” + </p> + <p> + So Cormac rode home and told his mother, saying that her will was of great + avail with Skeggi. He showed the sword, and tried to draw it, but it would + not leave the sheath. + </p> + <p> + “Thou are over wilful, my son,” said she. + </p> + <p> + Then he set his feet against the hilts, and pulled until he tore the pouch + off, at which Skofnung creaked and groaned, but never came out of the + scabbard. + </p> + <p> + Well, the time wore on, and the day came. He rode away with fifteen men; + Bersi also rode to the holm with as many. Cormac came there first, and + told Thorgils that he would sit apart by himself. So he sat down and + ungirt the sword. + </p> + <p> + Now, he never heeded whether the sun shone upon the hilt, for he had girt + the sword on him outside his clothes. And when he tried to draw it he + could not, until he set his feet upon the hilts. Then the little worm + came, and was not rightly done by; and so the sword came groaning and + creaking out of the scabbard, and the good luck of it was gone. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TEN. The Fight On Leidarholm. + </h2> + <p> + After that Cormac went to his men. Bersi and his party had come by that + time, and many more to see the fight. + </p> + <p> + Cormac took up Bersi's target and cut at it, and sparks flew out. + </p> + <p> + Then a hide was taken and spread for them to stand on. Bersi spoke and + said, “Thou, Cormac, hast challenged me to the holmgang; instead of that, + I offer thee to fight in simple sword-play. Thou art a young man and + little tried; the holmgang needs craft and cunning, but sword-play, man to + man, is an easy game.” + </p> + <p> + Cormac answered, “I should fight no better even so. I will run the risk, + and stand on equal footing with thee, every way.” + </p> + <p> + “As thou wilt,” said Bersi. + </p> + <p> + It was the law of the holmgang that the hide should be five ells long, + with loops at its corners. Into these should be driven certain pins with + heads to them, called tjosnur. He who made it ready should go to the pins + in such a manner that he could see sky between his legs, holding the lobes + of his ears and speaking the forewords used in the rite called “The + Sacrifice of the tjosnur.” Three squares should be marked round the hide, + each one foot broad. At the outermost corners of the squares should be + four poles, called hazels; when this is done, it is a hazelled field. Each + man should have three shields, and when they were cut up he must get upon + the hide if he had given way from it before, and guard himself with his + weapons alone thereafter. He who had been challenged should strike the + first stroke. If one was wounded so that blood fell upon the hide, he + should fight no longer. If either set one foot outside the hazel poles “he + went on his heel,” they said; but he “ran” if both feet were outside. His + own man was to hold the shield before each of the fighters. The one who + was wounded should pay three marks of silver to be set free. + </p> + <p> + So the hide was taken and spread under their feet. Thorgils held his + brother's shield, and Thord Arndisarson that of Bersi. Bersi struck the + first blow, and cleft Cormac's shield; Cormac struck at Bersi to the like + peril. Each of them cut up and spoilt three shields of the other's. Then + it was Cormac's turn. He struck at Bersi, who parried with Whitting. + Skofnung cut the point off Whitting in front of the ridge. The sword-point + flew upon Cormac's hand, and he was wounded in the thumb. The joint was + cleft, and blood dropped upon the hide. Thereupon folk went between them + and stayed the fight. + </p> + <p> + Then said Cormac, “This is a mean victory that Bersi has gained; it is + only from my bad luck; and yet we must part.” + </p> + <p> + He flung down his sword, and it met Bersi's target. A shard was broken out + of Skofnung, and fire flew out of Thorveig's gift. + </p> + <p> + Bersi asked the money for release, Cormac said it would be paid; and so + they parted. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER ELEVEN. The Songs That Were Made About The Fight. + </h2> + <p> + Steinar was the name of a man who was the son of Onund the Seer, and + brother of Dalla, Cormac's mother. He was an unpeaceful man, and lived at + Ellidi. + </p> + <p> + Thither rode Cormac from the holme, to see his kinsman, and told him of + the fight, at which he was but ill pleased. Cormac said he meant to leave + the country,—“And I want thee to take the money to Bersi.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art no bold man,” said Steinar, “but the money shall be paid if need + be.” + </p> + <p> + Cormac was there some nights; his hand swelled much, for it was not + dressed. + </p> + <p> + After that meeting, Holmgang Bersi went to see his brother. Folk asked how + the holmgang had gone, and when he told them they said that two bold men + had struck small blows, and he had gained the victory only through + Cormac's mishap. When Bersi met Steingerd, and she asked how it went, he + made this verse:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (26) + “They call him, and truly they tell it, + A tree of the helmet right noble: + But the master of manhood must bring me + Three marks for his ransom and rescue. + Though stout in the storm of the bucklers + In the stress of the Valkyrie's tempest + He will bid me no more to the battle, + For the best of the struggle was ours.” + </pre> + <p> + Steinar and Cormac rode from Ellidi and passed through Saurbae. They saw + men riding towards them, and yonder came Bersi. He greeted Cormac and + asked how the wound was getting on. Cormac said it needed little to be + healed. + </p> + <p> + “Wilt thou let me heal thee?” said Bersi; “though from me thou didst get + it: and then it will be soon over.” + </p> + <p> + Cormac said nay, for he meant to be his lifelong foe. Then answered Bersi:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (27) + “Thou wilt mind thee for many a season + How we met in the high voice of Hilda. + Right fain I go forth to the spear-mote + Being fitted for every encounter. + There Cormac's gay shield from his clutches + I clave with the bane of the bucklers, + For he scorned in the battle to seek me + If we set not the lists of the holmgang.” + </pre> + <p> + Thus they parted; and then Cormac went home to Mel and saw his mother. She + healed his hand; it had become ugly and healed badly. The notch in + Skofnung they whetted, but the more they whetted the bigger it was. So he + went to Reykir, and flung Skofnung at Skeggi's feet, with this verse:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (28) + “I bring thee, thus broken and edgeless, + The blade that thou gavest me, Skeggi! + I warrant thy weapon could bite not: + I won not the fight by its witchcraft. + No gain of its virtue nor glory + I got in the strife of the weapons, + When we met for to mingle the sword-storm + For the maiden my singing adorns.” + </pre> + <p> + Said Skeggi, “It went as I warned thee.” Cormac flung forth and went home + to Mel: and when he met with Dalla he made this song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (29) + “To the field went I forth, O my mother + The flame of the armlet who guardest,— + To dare the cave-dweller, my foeman + And I deemed I should smite him in battle. + But the brand that is bruited in story + It brake in my hand as I held it; + And this that should thrust men to slaughter + Is thwarted and let of its might. + + (30) + For I borrowed to bear in the fighting + No blunt-edged weapon of Skeggi: + There is strength in the serpent that quivers + By the side of the land of the girdle. + But vain was the virtue of Skofnung + When he vanquished the sharpness of Whitting; + And a shard have I shorn, to my sorrow, + From the shearer of ringleted mail. + + (31) + Yon tusker, my foe, wrought me trouble + When targe upon targe I had carven: + For the thin wand of slaughter was shattered + And it sundered the ground of my handgrip. + Loud bellowed the bear of the sea-king + When he brake from his lair in the scabbard, + At the hest of the singer, who seeketh + The sweet hidden draught of the gods. + + (32) + Afar must I fare, O my mother, + And a fate points the pathway before me, + For that white-wreathen tree may woo not + —Two wearisome morrows her outcast. + And it slays me, at home to be sitting, + So set is my heart on its goddess, + As a lawn with fair linen made lovely + —I can linger no third morrow's morn.” + </pre> + <p> + After that, Cormac went one day to Reykir and talked with Skeggi, who said + the holmgang had been brought to scorn. Then answered Cormac:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (33) + “Forget it, O Frey of the helmet, + —Lo, I frame thee a song in atonement— + That the bringer of blood, even Skofnung, + I bare thee so strangely belated. + For by stirrers of storm was I wounded; + They smote me where perches the falcon: + But the blade that I borrowed, O Skeggi, + Was borne in the clashing of edges. + + (34) + I had deemed, O thou Grey of fighting, + Of the fierce song of Odin,—my neighbour, + I had deemed that a brand meet for bloodshed + I bare to the crossways of slaughter. + Nay,—thy glaive, it would gape not nor ravin + Against him, the rover who robbed me: + And on her, as the surge on the shingle, + My soul beats and breaks evermore.” + </pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWELVE. Bersi's Bad Luck At The Thor's-Ness Thing. + </h2> + <p> + In the winter, sports were held at Saurbae. Bersi's lad, Asmund, was + there, and likewise the sons of Thord; but they were younger than he, and + nothing like so sturdy. When they wrestled Asmund took no heed to stint + his strength, and the sons of Thord often came home blue and bleeding. + Their mother Thordis was ill pleased, and asked her husband would he give + Bersi a hint to make it up on behalf of his son. Nay, Thord answered, he + was loath to do that. + </p> + <p> + “Then I'll find my brother Bork,” said she, “and it will be just as bad in + the end.” + </p> + <p> + Thord bade her do no such thing. “I would rather talk it over with him,” + said he; and so, at her wish, he met Bersi, and hinted that some amends + were owing. + </p> + <p> + Said Bersi, “Thou art far too greedy of getting, nowadays. This kind of + thing will end in losing thee thy good name. Thou wilt never want while + anything is to be got here.” + </p> + <p> + Thord went home, and there was a coolness between them while that winter + lasted. + </p> + <p> + Spring slipped by, until it was time for the meeting at Thor's-ness. By + then, Bersi thought he saw through this claim of Thord's, and found + Thordis at the bottom of it. For all that, he made ready to go to the + Thing. By old use and wont these two neighbours should have gone riding + together; so Bersi set out and came to Muli, but when he got there Thord + was gone. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said he, “Thord has broken old use and wont in awaiting me no + longer.” + </p> + <p> + “If breach there be,” answered Thordis, “it is thy doing. This is nothing + to what we owe thee, and I doubt there will be more to follow.” + </p> + <p> + They had words. Bersi said that harm would come of her evil counsel; and + so they parted. + </p> + <p> + When he left the house he said to his men, “Let us turn aside to the shore + and take a boat; it is a long way to ride round the waterhead.” So they + took a boat—it was one of Thord's—and went their way. + </p> + <p> + They came to the meeting when most other folks were already there, and + went to the tent of Olaf Peacock of Hjardarholt (Herdholt), for he was + Bersi's chief. It was crowded inside, and Bersi found no seat. He used to + sit next Thord, but that place was filled. In it there sat a big and + strong-looking man, with a bear-skin coat, and a hood that shaded his + face. Bersi stood a while before him, but the seat was not given up. He + asked the man for his name, and was told he might call him Bruin, or he + might call him Hoodie—which-ever he liked; whereupon he said in + verse:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (35) + “Who sits in the seat of the warriors, + With the skin of the bear wrapped around him, + So wild in his look?—Ye have welcomed + A wolf to your table, good kinsfolk! + Ah, now may I know him, I reckon! + Doth he name himself Bruin, or Hoodie?— + We shall meet once again in the morning, + And maybe he'll prove to be—Steinar.” + </pre> + <p> + “And it's no use for thee to hide thy name, thou in the bearskin,” said + he. + </p> + <p> + “No more it is,” he answered. “Steinar I am, and I have brought money to + pay thee for Cormac, if so be it is needed. But first I bid thee to fight. + It will have to be seen whether thou get the two marks of silver, or + whether thou lose them both.” + </p> + <p> + Upon which quoth Bersi:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (36) + “They that waken the storm of the spear-points— + For slaughter and strife they are famous— + To the island they bid me for battle, + Nor bitter I think it nor woeful; + For long in that craft am I learned + To loosen the Valkyrie's tempest + In the lists, and I fear not to fight them— + Unflinching in battle am I. +</pre> + <p> + “Well I wot, though,” said he, “that ye and your gang mean to make away + with me. But I would let you know that I too have something to say about + it—something that will set down your swagger, maybe.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not thy death we are seeking,” answered Steinar; “all we want is to + teach thee thy true place.” + </p> + <p> + Bersi agreed to fight him, and then went out to a tent apart and took up + his abode there. + </p> + <p> + Now one day the word went round for bathing in the sea. Said Steinar to + Bersi, “Wilt try a race with me, Bersi?” + </p> + <p> + “I have given over swimming,” said he, “and yet I'll try.” + </p> + <p> + Bersi's manner of swimming was to breast the waves and strike out with all + his might. In so doing he showed a charm he wore round his neck. Steinar + swam at him and tore off the lucky-stone with the bag it was in, and threw + them both into the water, saying in verse:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (37) + “Long I've lived, + And I've let the gods guide me; + Brown hose I never wore + To bring the luck beside me. + I've never knit + All to keep me thriving + Round my neck a bag of worts, + —And lo! I'm living!” + </pre> + <p> + Upon that they struck out to land. + </p> + <p> + But this turn that Steinar played was Thord's trick to make Bersi lose his + luck in the fight. And Thord went along the shore at low water and found + the luck-stone, and hid it away. + </p> + <p> + Now Steinar had a sword that was called after Skrymir the giant: it was + never fouled, and no mishap followed it. On the day fixed, Thord and + Steinar went out of the tent, and Cormac also came to the meeting to hold + the shield of Steinar. Olaf Peacock got men to help Bersi at the fight, + for Thord had been used to hold his shield, but this time failed him. So + Bersi went to the trysting-place with a shield-bearer who is not named in + the story, and with the round target that once had belonged to Thorveig. + </p> + <p> + Each man was allowed three shields. Bersi cut up two, and then Cormac took + the third. Bersi hacked away, but Whitting his sword stuck fast in the + iron border of Steinar's shield. Cormac whirled it up just when Steinar + was striking out. He struck the shield-edge, and the sword glanced off, + slit Bersi's buttock, sliced his thigh down to the knee-joint, and stuck + in the bone. And so Bersi fell. + </p> + <p> + “There!” cried Steinar, “Cormac's fine is paid.” + </p> + <p> + But Bersi leapt up, slashed at him, and clove his shield. The sword-point + was at Steinar's breast when Thord rushed forth and dragged him away, out + of reach. + </p> + <p> + “There!” cried Thord to Bersi, “I have paid thee for the mauling of my + sons.” + </p> + <p> + So Bersi was carried to the tent, and his wound was dressed. After a + while, Thord came in; and when Bersi saw him he said:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (38) + “When the wolf of the war-god was howling + Erstwhile in the north, thou didst aid me: + When it gaped in my hand, and it girded + At the Valkyries' gate for to enter. + But now wilt thou never, O warrior, + At need in the storm-cloud of Odin + Give me help in the tempest of targes + —Untrusty, unfaithful art thou. + + (39) + “For when I was a stripling I showed me + To the stems of the lightning of battle + Right meet for the mist of the war-maids; + —Ah me! that was said long ago. + But now, and I may not deny it + My neighbours in earth must entomb me, + At the spot I have sought for grave-mound + Where Saurbae lies level and green.” + </pre> + <p> + Said Thord, “I have no wish for thy death; but I own it is no sorrow to + see thee down for once.” + </p> + <p> + To which Bersi answered in song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (40) + “The friend that I trusted has failed me + In the fight, and my hope is departed: + I speak what I know of; and note it, + Ye nobles,—I tell ye no leasing. + Lo, the raven is ready for carnage, + But rare are the friends who should succour. + Yet still let them scorn me and threaten, + I shrink not, I am not dismayed.” + </pre> + <p> + After this, Bersi was taken home to Saurbae, and lay long in his wounds. + </p> + <p> + But when he was carried into the tent, at that very moment Steinar spoke + thus to Cormac:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (41) + “Of the reapers in harvest of Hilda + —Thou hast heard of it—four men and eight men + With the edges of Skrymir to aid me + I have urged to their flight from the battle. + Now the singer, the steward of Odin, + Hath smitten at last even Bersi + With the flame of the weapon that feedeth + The flocks of the carrion crows.” + </pre> + <p> + “I would have thee keep Skrymir now for thy own, Cormac,” said he, + “because I mean this fight to be my last.” + </p> + <p> + After that, they parted in friendly wise: Steinar went home, and Cormac + fared to Mel. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER THIRTEEN. Steingerd Leaves Bersi. + </h2> + <p> + Next it is told of Bersi. His wound healed but slowly. Once on a time a + many folk were met to talk about that meeting and what came of it, and + Bersi made this song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (42) + “Thou didst leave me forlorn to the sword-stroke, + Strong lord of the field of the serpent! + And needy and fallen ye find me, + Since my foeman ye shielded from danger. + Thus cunning and counsel are victors, + When the craft of the spear-shaft avails not; + But this, as I think, is the ending, + O Thord, of our friendship for ever!” + </pre> + <p> + A while later Thord came to his bedside and brought back the luck-stone; + and with it he healed Bersi, and they took to their friendship again and + held it unbroken ever after. + </p> + <p> + Because of these happenings, Steingerd fell into loathing of Bersi and + made up her mind to part with him; and when she had got everything ready + for going away she went to him and said:—“First ye were called + Eygla's-Bersi, and then Holmgang-Bersi, but now your right name will be + Breech-Bersi!” and spoke her divorce from him. + </p> + <p> + She went north to her kinsfolk, and meeting with her brother Thorkel she + bade him seek her goods again from Bersi—her pin-money and her + dowry, saying that she would not own him now that he was maimed. Thorkel + Toothgnasher never blamed her for that, and agreed to undertake her + errand; but the winter slipped by and his going was put off. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER FOURTEEN. The Bane Of Thorkel Toothgnasher. + </h2> + <p> + Afterwards, in the spring, Thorkel Toothgnasher set out to find Bersi and + to seek Steingerd's goods again. Bersi said that his burden was heavy + enough to bear, even though both together underwent the weight of it. “And + I shall not pay the money!” said he. + </p> + <p> + Said Thorkel, “I bid thee to the holmgang at Orrestholm beside Tjaldanes + (Tentness).” + </p> + <p> + “That ye will think hardly worth while,” said Bersi, “such a champion as + you are; and yet I undertake for to come.” + </p> + <p> + So they came to the holme and fell to the holmgang. Thord carried the + shield before Bersi, and Vali was Thorkel's shield-bearer. When two + shields had been hacked to splinters, Bersi bade Thorkel take the third; + but he would not. Bersi still had a shield, and a sword that was long and + sharp. + </p> + <p> + Said Thorkel, “The sword ye have, Bersi, is longer than lawful.” + </p> + <p> + “That shall not be,” cried Bersi; and took up his other sword, Whitting, + two-handed, and smote Thorkel his deathblow. Then sang he:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (43) + “I have smitten Toothgnasher and slain him, + And I smile at the pride of his boasting. + One more to my thirty I muster, + And, men! say ye this of the battle:— + In the world not a lustier liveth + Among lords of the steed of the oar-bench; + Though by eld of my strength am I stinted + To stain the black wound-bird with blood.” + </pre> + <p> + After these things Vali bade Bersi to the holmgang, but he answered in + this song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (44) + “They that waken the war of the mail-coats, + For warfare and manslaying famous, + To the lists they have bid me to battle, + Nor bitter I think it not woeful. + It is sport for yon swordsmen who goad me + To strive in the Valkyries' tempest + On the holme; but I fear not to fight them— + Unflinching in battle am I!” + </pre> + <p> + The were even about to begin fighting, when Thord came and spoke to them + saying:—“Woeful waste of life I call it, if brave men shall be + smitten down for the sake of any such matters. I am ready to make it up + between ye two.” + </p> + <p> + To this they agreed, and he said:—“Vali, this methinks is the most + likely way of bringing you together. Let Bersi take thy sister Thordis to + wife. It is a match that may well be to thy worship.” + </p> + <p> + Bersi agreed to this, and it was settled that the land of Brekka should go + along with her as a dowry; and so this troth was plighted between them. + Bersi afterwards had a strong stone wall built around his homestead, and + sat there for many winters in peace. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER FIFTEEN. The Rescue Of Steinvor Slim-ankles. + </h2> + <p> + There was a man named Thorarin Alfsson, who lived in the north at + Thambardal; that is a dale which goes up from the fiord called Bitra. He + was a big man and mighty, and he was by-named Thorarin the Strong. He had + spent much of his time in seafaring (as a chapman) and so lucky was he + that he always made the harbour he aimed at. + </p> + <p> + He had three sons; one was named Alf, the next Loft, and the third Skofti. + Thorarin was a most overbearing man, and his sons took after him. They + were rough, noisy fellows. + </p> + <p> + Not far away, at Tunga (Tongue) in Bitra, lived a man called Odd. His + daughter was named Steinvor, a pretty girl and well set up; her by-name + was Slim-ankles. Living with Odd were many fisherman; among them, staying + there for the fishing-season, was one Glum, an ill-tempered carle and bad + to deal with. + </p> + <p> + Now once upon a time these two, Odd and Glum, were in talk together which + were the greatest men in the countryside. Glum reckoned Thorarin to be + foremost, but Odd said Holmgang Bersi was better than he in every way. + </p> + <p> + “How can ye make that out?” asked Glum. + </p> + <p> + “Is there any likeness whatever,” said Odd, “between the bravery of Bersi + and the knavery of Thorarin?” + </p> + <p> + So they talked about this until they fell out, and laid a wager upon it. + </p> + <p> + Then Glum wend and told Thorarin. He grew very angry and made many a + threat against Odd. And in a while he went and carried off Steinvor from + Tunga, all to spite her father; and he gave out that if Odd said anything + against it, the worse for him: and so took her home to Thambardal. + </p> + <p> + Things went on so for a while, and then Odd went to see Holmgang Bersi, + and told him what had happened. He asked him for help to get Steinvor back + and to wreak vengeance for that shame. Bersi answered that such words had + been better unsaid, and bade him go home and take no share in the + business. “But yet,” added he, “I promise that I will see to it.” + </p> + <p> + No sooner was Odd gone than Bersi made ready to go from home. He rode + fully armed, with Whitting at his belt, and three spears; he came to + Thambardal when the day was far spent and the women were coming out of the + bower. Steinvor saw him and turning to meet him told of her unhappiness. + </p> + <p> + “Make ready to go with me,” said he; and that she did. + </p> + <p> + He would not go to Thambardal for nothing, he said; and so he turned to + the door where men were sitting by long fires. He knocked at the door, and + out there came a man—his name was Thorleif. But Thorarin knew + Bersi's voice, and rushed forth with a great carving-knife and laid on to + him. Bersi was aware of it, and drew Whitting, and struck him his + death-blow. + </p> + <p> + Then he leapt on horseback and set Steinvor on his knee and took his + spears which she had kept for him. He rode some way into the wood, where + in a hidden spot he left his horse and Steinvor, bidding her await him. + Then he went to a narrow gap through which the high-road ran, and there + made ready to stand against his foes. + </p> + <p> + In Thambardal there was anything but peace. Thorleif ran to tell the sons + of Thorarin that he lay dead in the doorway. They asked who had done the + deed. He told them. Then they went after Bersi and steered the shortest + way to the gap, meaning to get there first; but by that time he was + already first at the gap. + </p> + <p> + When they came near him, Bersi hurled a spear at Alf, and it went right + through him. Then Loft cast at Bersi, but he caught the spear on his + target and it dropped off. Then Bersi threw at Loft and killed him, and so + he did by Skofti. + </p> + <p> + When all was over, the house-carles of the brothers came up. Thorleif + turned back to meet them, and they all went home together. + </p> + <p> + After that Bersi went to find Steinvor, and mounted his horse. He came + home before men were out of bed. They asked him about his journey and he + told them. When Odd met him he asked about the fight and how it had + passed, and Bersi answered in this verse:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (45) + “There was one fed the wolves has encountered + His weird in the dale of the Bowstring— + Thorarin the Strong, 'neath the slayer + Lay slain by the might of my weapon. + And loss of their lives men abided + When Loft fell, and Alf fell, and Skofti. + They were four, yonder kinsmen, and fated— + They were fey—and I met them, alone!” + </pre> + <p> + After that Odd went home, but Steinvor was with Bersi, though it misliked + Thordis, his wife. By this time his stone wall was some-what broken down, + but he had it built up again; and it is said that no blood-money was ever + paid for Thorarin and his sons. So the time went on. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER SIXTEEN. How Vali Fell Before An Old Man And A Boy. + </h2> + <p> + Once on a day when Thordis and Bersi were talking together, said he, “I + have been thinking I might ask Olaf Peacock for a child of his to foster.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said she, “I think little of that. It seems to me a great trouble, + and I doubt if folk will reckon more of us for it.” + </p> + <p> + “It means that I should have a sure friend,” answered he. “I have many + foes, and I am growing heavy with age.” + </p> + <p> + So he went to see Olaf, and asked for a child to foster. Olaf took it with + thanks, and Bersi carried Halldor home with him and got Steinvor to be + nurse. This too misliked Thordis, and she laid hands on every penny she + could get (for fear it should go to Steinvor and the foster-child). + </p> + <p> + At last Bersi took to ageing much. There was one time when men riding to + the Thing stayed at his house. He sat all by himself, and his food was + brought him before the rest were served. He had porridge while other folk + had cheese and curds. Then he made this verse:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (46) + “To batten the black-feathered wound-bird + With the blade of my axe have I stricken + Full thirty and five of my foemen; + I am famed for the slaughter of warriors. + May the fiends have my soul if I stain not + My sharp-edged falchion once over! + And then let the breaker of broadswords + Be borne—and with speed—to the grave!” + </pre> + <p> + “What?” said Halldor; “hast thou a mind to kill another man, then?” + </p> + <p> + Answered Bersi, “I see the man it would rightly serve!” + </p> + <p> + Now Thordis let her brother Vali feed his herds on the land of Brekka. + Bersi bade his house-carles work at home, and have no dealings with Vali; + but still Halldor thought it a hardship that Bersi had not his own will + with his own wealth. One day Bersi made this verse:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (47) + “Here we lie, + Both on one settle— + Halldor and I, + Men of no mettle. + Youth ails thee, + But thou'lt win through it; + Age ails me, + And I must rue it!” + </pre> + <p> + “I do hate Vali,” said Halldor; and Bersi answered thus in verse:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (48) + “Yon Vali, so wight as he would be, + Well wot I our pasture he grazes; + Right fain yonder fierce helmet-wearer + Under foot my dead body would trample! + But often my wrongs have I wreaked + In wrath on the mail-coated warrior— + On the stems of the sun of the ocean + I have stained the wound-serpent for less!” + </pre> + <p> + And again he said:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (49) + “With eld I am listless and lamed— + I, the lord of the gold of the armlet: + I sit, and am still under many + A slight from the warders of spear-meads. + Though shield-bearers shape for the singer + To shiver alone in the grave-mound, + Yet once in the war would I redden + The wand that hews helms ere I fail.” + </pre> + <p> + “Thy heart is not growing old, foster-father mine!” cried Halldor. + </p> + <p> + Upon that Bersi fell into talk with Steinvor, and said to her “I am laying + a plot, and I need thee to help me.” + </p> + <p> + She said she would if she could. + </p> + <p> + “Pick a quarrel,” said he, “with Thordis about the milk-kettle, and do + thou hold on to it until you whelm it over between you. Then I will come + in and take her part and give thee nought but bad words. Then go to Vali + and tell him how ill we treat thee.” + </p> + <p> + Everything turned out as he had planned. She went to Vali and told him + that things were no way smooth for her; would he take her over the gap (to + Bitra to her father's:) and so he did. + </p> + <p> + But when he was on the way back again, out came Bersi and Halldor to meet + him. Bersi had a halberd in one hand and a staff in the other, and Halldor + had Whitting. As soon as Vali saw them he turned and hewed at Bersi. + Halldor came at his back and fleshed Whitting in his hough-sinews. + Thereupon he turned sharply and fell upon Halldor. Then Bersi set the + halberd-point betwixt his shoulders. That was his death-wound. + </p> + <p> + Then they set his shield at his feet and his sword at his head, and spread + his cloak over him; and after that got on horseback and rode to five + homesteads to make known the deed they had done and then rode home. Men + went and buried Vali, and the place where he fell has ever since been + called Vali's fall. + </p> + <p> + Halldor was twelve winters old when these doings came to pass. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. How Steingerd Was Married Again. + </h2> + <p> + Now there was a man named Thorvald, the son of Eystein, bynamed the + Tinker: he was a wealthy man, a smith, and a skald; but he was + mean-spirited for all that. His brother Thorvard lived in the north + country at Fliot (Fleet); and they had many kinsmen,— the Skidings + they were called,—but little luck or liking. + </p> + <p> + Now Thorvald the Tinker asked Steingerd to wife. Her folk were for it, and + she said nothing against it; and so she was wed to him in the very same + summer in which she left Bersi. + </p> + <p> + When Cormac heard the news he made as though he knew nothing whatever + about the matter; for a little earlier he had taken his goods aboard ship, + meaning to go away with his brother. But one morning early he rode from + the ship and went to see Steingerd; and when he got talk with her, he + asked would she make him a shirt. To which she answered that he had no + business to pay her visits; neither Thorvald nor his kinsmen would abide + it, she said, but have their revenge. + </p> + <p> + Thereupon he made his voice:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (50) + “Nay, think it or thole it I cannot, + That thou, a young fir of the forest + Enwreathed in the gold that thou guardest, + Shouldst be given to a tinkering tinsmith. + Nay, scarce can I smile, O thou glittering + In silk like the goddess of Baldur, + Since thy father handfasted and pledged thee, + So famed as thou art, to a coward.” + </pre> + <p> + “In such words,” answered Steingerd, “an ill will is plain to hear. I + shall tell Thorvald of this ribaldry: no man would sit still under such + insults.” + </p> + <p> + Then sang Cormac:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (51) + “What gain is to get if he threatens, + White goddess in raiment of beauty, + The scorn that the Skidings may bear me? + I'll set them a weft for their weaving! + I'll rhyme you the roystering caitiffs + Till rocks go afloat on the water; + And lucky for them if they loosen + The line of their fate that I ravel!” + </pre> + <p> + Thereupon they parted with no blitheness, and Cormac went to his ship. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER EIGHTEEN. Cormac's Voyage To Norway. + </h2> + <p> + The two brothers had but left the roadstead, when close beside their ship, + uprose a walrus. Cormac hurled at it a pole-staff, which struck the beast, + so that it sank again: but the men aboard thought that they knew its eyes + for the eyes of Thorveig the witch. That walrus came up no more, but of + Thorveig it was heard that she lay sick to death; and indeed folk say that + this was the end of her. + </p> + <p> + Then they sailed out to sea, and at last came to Norway, where at that + time Hakon, the foster-son of Athelstan, was king. He made them welcome, + and so they stayed there the winter long with all honour. + </p> + <p> + Next summer they set out to the wars, and did many great deeds. Along with + them went a man called Siegfried, a German of good birth; and they made + raids both far and wide. One day as they were gone up the country eleven + men together came against the two brothers, and set upon them; but this + business ended in their overcoming the whole eleven, and so after a while + back to their ship. The vikings had given them up for lost, and fain were + their folk when they came back with victory and wealth. + </p> + <p> + In this voyage the brothers got great renown: and late in the summer, when + winter was coming on, they made up their minds to steer for Norway. They + met with cold winds; the sail was behung with icicles, but the brothers + were always to the fore. It was on his voyage that Cormac made the song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (52) + “O shake me yon rime from the awning; + Your singer's a-cold in his berth; + For the hills are all hooded, dear Skardi, + In the hoary white veil of the firth. + There's one they call Wielder of Thunder + I would were as chill and as cold; + But he leaves not the side of his lady + As the lindworm forsakes not its gold.” + </pre> + <p> + “Always talking of her now!” said Thorgils; “and yet thou wouldst not have + her when thou couldst.” + </p> + <p> + “That was more the fault of witchcraft,” answered Cormac, “that any want + of faith in me.” + </p> + <p> + Not long after they were sailing hard among crags, and shortened sail in + great danger. + </p> + <p> + “It is a pity Thorvald Tinker is not with us here!” said Cormac. + </p> + <p> + Said Thorgils with a smile, “Most likely he is better off than we, + to-day!” + </p> + <p> + But before long they came to land in Norway. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER NINETEEN. How Cormac Fought In Ireland, And Went Home To Iceland; + And How He Met Steingerd Again. + </h2> + <p> + While they were abroad there had been a change of kings; Hakon was dead, + and Harald Greyfell reigned in his stead. They offered friendship to the + king, and he took their suit kindly; so they went with him to Ireland, and + fought battles there. + </p> + <p> + Once upon a time when they had gone ashore with the king, a great host + came against him, and as the armies met, Cormac made this song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (53) + “I dread not a death from the foemen, + Though we dash at them, buckler to buckler, + While our prince in the power of his warriors + Is proud of me foremost in battle. + But the glimpse of a glory comes o'er me + Like the gleam of the moon on the skerry, + And I faint and I fail for my longing, + For the fair one at home in the North.” + </pre> + <p> + “Ye never get into danger,” said Thorgils, “but ye think of Steingerd!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” answered Cormac, “but it's not often I forget her.” + </p> + <p> + Well: this was a great battle, and king Harald won a glorious victory. + While his men drove the rout before him, the brothers were shoulder to + shoulder; and they fell upon nine men at once and fought them. And while + they were at it, Cormac sang:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (54) + “Fight on, arrow-driver, undaunted, + And down with the foemen of Harald! + What are nine? they are nought! Thou and I, lad, + Are enough;—they are ours!—we have won them! + But—at home,—in the arms of an outlaw + That all the gods loathe for a monster, + So white and so winsome she nestles + —Yet once she was loving to me!” + </pre> + <p> + “It always comes down to that!” said Thorgils. When the fight was over, + the brothers had got the victory, and the nine men had fallen before them; + for which they won great praise from the king, and many honours beside. + </p> + <p> + But while they were ever with the king in his warfarings, Thorgils was + aware that Cormac was used to sleep but little; and he asked why this + might be. This was the song Cormac made in answer:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (55) + “Surf on a rock-bound shore of the sea-king's blue domain— + Look how it lashes the crags, hark how it thunders again! + But all the din of the isles that the Delver heaves in foam + In the draught of the undertow glides out to the sea-gods' + home. + Now, which of us two should test? Is it thou, with thy + heart at ease, + Or I that am surf on the shore in the tumult of angry seas? + —Drawn, if I sleep, to her that shines with the ocean- + gleam, + —Dashed, when I wake, to woe, for the want of my + glittering dream.” + </pre> + <p> + “And now let me tell you this, brother,” he went on. “Hereby I give out + that I am going back to Iceland.” + </p> + <p> + Said Thorgils, “There is many a snare set for thy feet, brother, to drag + thee down, I know not whither.” + </p> + <p> + But when the king heard of his longing to begone, he sent for Cormac, and + said that he did unwisely, and would hinder him from his journey. But all + this availed nothing, and aboard ship he went. + </p> + <p> + At the outset they met with foul winds, so that they shipped great seas, + and the yard broke. Then Cormac sang:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (56) + “I take it not ill, like the Tinker + If a trickster had foundered his muck-sled; + For he loves not rough travelling, the losel, + And loath would he be of this uproar. + I flinch not,—nay, hear it, ye fearless + Who flee not when arrows are raining,— + Though the steeds of the ocean be storm-bound + And stayed in the harbour of Solund.” + </pre> + <p> + So they pushed out to sea, and hard weather they tholed. Once on a time + when the waves broke over the deck and drenched them all, Cormac made this + song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (57) + “O the Tinker's a lout and a lubber, + And the life of a sailor he dares not, + When the snow-crested surges caress us + And sweep us away with their kisses, + He bides in a berth that is warmer, + Embraced in the arms of his lady; + And lightly she lulls him to slumber, + —But long she has reft me of rest!” + </pre> + <p> + They had a very rough voyage, but landed at last in Midfiord, and anchored + off shore. Looking landward they beheld where a lady was riding by; and + Cormac knew at once that it was Steingerd. He bade his men launch a boat, + and rowed ashore. He went quickly from the boat, and got a horse, and rode + to meet her. When they met, he leapt from horseback and helped her to + alight, making a seat for her beside him on the ground. + </p> + <p> + Their horses wandered away: the day passed on, and it began to grow dark. + At last Steingerd said, “It is time to look for our horses.” + </p> + <p> + Little search would be needed, said Cormac; but when he looked about, they + were nowhere in sight. As it happened, they were hidden in a gill not far + from where the two were sitting. + </p> + <p> + So, as night was hard at hand, they set out to walk, and came to a little + farm, where they were taken in and treated well, even as they needed. That + night they slept each on either side of the carven wainscot that parted + bed from bed: and Cormac made this song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (58) + “We rest, O my beauty, my brightest, + But a barrier lies ever between us. + So fierce are the fates and so mighty + —I feel it—that rule to their rede. + Ah, nearer I would be, and nigher, + Till nought should be left to dispart us, + —The wielder of Skofnung the wonder, + And the wearer of sheen from the deep.” + </pre> + <p> + “It was better thus,” said Steingerd: but he sang:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (59) + “We have slept 'neath one roof-tree—slept softly, + O sweet one, O queen of the mead-horn, + O glory of sea-dazzle gleaming, + These grim hours,—these five nights, I count them. + And here in the kettle-prow cabined + While the crow's day drags on in the darkness, + How loathly me seems to be lying, + How lonely,—so near and so far!” + </pre> + <p> + “That,” said she, “is all over and done with; name it no more.” But he + sang:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (60) + “The hot stone shall float,—ay, the hearth-stone + Like a husk of the corn on the water, + —Ah, woe for the wight that she loves not!— + And the world,—ah, she loathes me!—shall perish, + And the fells that are famed for their hugeness + Shall fail and be drowned in the ocean, + Or ever so gracious a goddess + Shall grow into beauty like Steingerd.” + </pre> + <p> + Then Steingerd cried out that she would not have him make songs upon her: + but he went on:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (61) + “I have known it and noted it clearly, + O neckleted fair one, in visions, + —Is it doom for my hopes,—is it daring + To dream?—O so oft have I seen it!— + Even this,—that the boughs of thy beauty, + O braceleted fair one, shall twine them + Round the hill where the hawk loves to settle, + The hand of thy lover, at last.” + </pre> + <p> + “That,” said she, “never shall be, if I can help it. Thou didst let me go, + once for all; and there is no more hope for thee.” + </p> + <p> + So then they slept the night long; and in the morning, when Cormac was + making ready to be gone, he found Steingerd, and took the ring off his + finger to give her. + </p> + <p> + “Fiend take thee and thy gold together!” she cried. And this is what he + answered:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (62) + “To a dame in her broideries dainty + This drift of the furnace I tendered; + O day of ill luck, for a lover + So lured, and so heartlessly cheated! + Too blithe in the pride of her beauty— + The bliss that I crave she denies me; + So rich that no boon can I render, + —And my ring she would hurl to the fiends!” + </pre> + <p> + So Cormac rode forth, being somewhat angry with Steingerd, but still more + so with the Tinker. He rode home to Mel, and stayed there all the winter, + taking lodgings for his chapmen near the ship. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWENTY. Of A Spiteful Song That Cormac Never Made; And How Angry + Steingerd Was. + </h2> + <p> + Now Thorvald the Tinker lived in the north-country at Svinadal (Swindale), + but his brother Thorvard at Fliot. In the winter Cormac took his way + northward to see Steingerd; and coming to Svinadal he dismounted and went + into the chamber. She was sitting on the dais, and he took his seat beside + her; Thorvald sat on the bench, and Narfi by him. + </p> + <p> + Then said Narfi to Thorvald, “How canst thou sit down, with Cormac here? + It is no time, this, for sitting still!” + </p> + <p> + But Thorvald answered, “I am content; there is no harm done it seems to + me, though they do talk together.” + </p> + <p> + “That is ill,” said Narfi. + </p> + <p> + Not long afterwards Thorvald met his brother Thorvard and told him about + Cormac's coming to his house. + </p> + <p> + “Is it right, think you,” said Thorvard, “to sit still while such things + happen?” + </p> + <p> + He answered that there was no harm done as yet, but that Cormac's coming + pleased him not. + </p> + <p> + “I'll mend that,” cried Thorvard, “if you dare not. The shame of it + touches us all.” + </p> + <p> + So this was the next thing,—that Thorvard came to Svinadal, and the + Skiding brothers and Narfi paid a gangrel beggar-man to sing a song in the + hearing of Steingerd, and to say that Cormac had made it,—which was + a lie. They said that Cormac had taught this song to one called Eylaug, a + kinswoman of his; and these were the words:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (63) + “I wish an old witch that I know of, + So wealthy and proud of her havings, + Were turned to a steed in the stable + —Called Steingerd—and I were the rider! + I'd bit her, and bridle, and saddle, + I'd back her and drive her and tame her; + So many she owns for her masters, + But mine she will never become!” + </pre> + <p> + Then Steingerd grew exceedingly angry, so that she would not so much as + hear Cormac named. When he heard that, he went to see her. Long time he + tried in vain to get speech with her; but at last she gave this answer,—that + she misliked his holding her up to shame,—“And now it is all over + the country-side!” + </p> + <p> + Cormac said it was not true; but she answered, “Thou mightest flatly deny + it, if I had not heard it.” + </p> + <p> + “Who sang it in thy hearing?” asked he. + </p> + <p> + She told him who sang it,—“And thou needest not hope for speech with + me if this prove true.” + </p> + <p> + He rode away to look for the rascal, and when he found him the truth was + forced out at last. Cormac was very angry, and set on Narfi and slew him. + That same onset was meant for Thorvald, but he hid himself in the shadow + and skulked, until men came between then and parted them. Said Cormac:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (64) + “There, hide in the house like a coward, + And hope not hereafter to scare me + With the scorn of thy brethren the Skidings,— + I'll set them a weft for their weaving! + I'll rhyme on the swaggering rascals + Till rocks go afloat on the water; + And lucky for you if ye loosen + The line of your fate that I ravel!” + </pre> + <p> + This went all over the country-side and the feud grew fiercer between + them. The brothers Thorvald and Thorvard used big words, and Cormac was + wroth when he heard them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE. How Thorvard Would Not Fight, But Tried To Get The Law + Of Cormac. + </h2> + <p> + After this Thorvard sent word from Fliot that he was fain to fight Cormac, + and he fixed time and place, saying that he would now take revenge for + that song of shame and all other slights. + </p> + <p> + To this Cormac agreed; and when the day came he went to the spot that was + named, but Thorvard was not there, nor any of his men. Cormac met a woman + from the farm hard by, who greeted him, and they asked each other for + news. + </p> + <p> + “What is your errand?” said she; “and why are you waiting here?” + </p> + <p> + Then he answered with this song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (65) + “Too slow for the struggle I find him, + That spender of fire from the ocean, + Who flung me a challenge to fight him + From Fleet in the land of the North. + That half-witted hero should get him + A heart made of clay for his carcase, + Though the mate of the may with the necklace + Is more of a fool than his fere!” + </pre> + <p> + “Now,” said Cormac, “I bid Thorvard anew to the holmgang, if he can be + called in his right mind. Let him be every man's nithing if he come not!” + and then he made this song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (66) + “The nithing shall silence me never, + Though now for their shame they attack me, + But the wit of the Skald is my weapon, + And the wine of the gods will uphold me. + And this they shall feel in its fulness; + Here my fame has its birth and beginning; + And the stout spears of battle shall see it, + If I 'scape from their hands with my life.” + </pre> + <p> + Then the brothers set on foot a law-suit against him for libel. Cormac's + kinsmen backed him up to answer it, and he would let no terms be made, + saying that they deserved the shame put upon them, and no honour; he was + not unready to meet them, unless they played him false. Thorvard had not + come to the holmgang when he had been challenged, and therefore the shame + had fallen of itself upon him and his, and they must put up with it. + </p> + <p> + So time passed until the Huna-water Thing. Thorvard and Cormac both went + to the meeting, and once they came together. + </p> + <p> + “Much enmity we owe thee,” said Thorvard, “and in many ways. Now therefore + I challenge thee to the holmgang, here at the Thing.” + </p> + <p> + Said Cormac, “Wilt thou be fitter than before? Thou hast drawn back time + after time.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless,” said Thorvard, “I will risk it. We can abide thy spite no + longer.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Cormac, “I'll not stand in the way;” and went home to Mel. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO. What The Witch Did For Them In Their Fights. + </h2> + <p> + At Spakonufell (Spae-wife's-fell) lived Thordis the spae-wife, of whom we + have told before, with her husband Thorolf. They were both at the Thing, + and many a man thought her good-will was of much avail. So Thorvard sought + her out, to ask her help against Cormac, and gave her a fee; and she made + him ready for the holmgang according to her craft. + </p> + <p> + Now Cormac told his mother what was forward, and she asked if he thought + good would come of it. + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” said he. + </p> + <p> + “That will not be enough for thee,” said Dalla. “Thorvard will never make + bold to fight without witchcraft to help him. I think it wise for thee to + see Thordis the spae-wife, for there is going to be foul play in this + affair.” + </p> + <p> + “It is little to my mind,” said he; and yet went to see Thordis, and asked + her help. + </p> + <p> + “Too late ye have come,” said she. “No weapon will bite on him now. And + yet I would not refuse thee. Bide here to-night, and seek thy good luck. + Anyway, I can manage so that iron bite thee no more than him.” + </p> + <p> + So Cormac stayed there for the night; and, awaking, found that some one + was groping round the coverlet at his head. “Who is there?” he asked, but + whoever it was made off, and out at the house-door, and Cormac after. And + then he saw it was Thordis, and she was going to the place where the fight + was to be, carrying a goose under her arm. + </p> + <p> + He asked what it all meant, and she set down the goose, saying, “Why + couldn't ye keep quiet?” + </p> + <p> + So he lay down again, but held himself awake, for he wanted to know what + she would be doing. Three times she came, and every time he tried to find + out what she was after. The third time, just as he came out, she had + killed two geese and let the blood run into a bowl, and she had taken up + the third goose to kill it. + </p> + <p> + “What means this business, foster-mother?” said he. + </p> + <p> + “True it will prove, Cormac, that you are a hard one to help,” said she. + “I was going to break the spell Thorveig laid on thee and Steingerd. Ye + could have loved one another been happy if I had killed the third goose + and no one seen it.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe nought of such things,” cried he; and this song he made about + it:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (67) + “I gave her an ore at the ayre, + That the arts of my foe should not prosper; + And twice she has taken the knife, + And twice she has offered the offering; + But the blood is the blood of a goose— + What boots it if two should be slaughtered?— + Never sacrifice geese for a Skald + Who sings for the glory of Odin!” + </pre> + <p> + So they went to the holmgang: but Thorvald gave the spae-wife a still + greater fee, and offered the sacrifice of geese; and Cormac said:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (68) + “Trust never another man's mistress! + For I know, on this woman who weareth + The fire of the field of the sea-king + The fiends have been riding to revel. + The witch with her hoarse cry is working + For woe when we go to the holmgang, + And if bale be the end of the battle + The blame, be assured, will be hers.” + </pre> + <p> + “Well,” she said, “I can manage so that none shall know thee.” Then Cormac + began to upbraid her, saying she did nought but ill, and wanting to drag + her out to the door to look at her eyes in the sunshine. His brother + Thorgils made him leave that:—“What good will it do thee?” said he. + </p> + <p> + Now Steingerd gave out that she had a mind to see the fight; and so she + did. When Cormac saw her he made this song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (69) + “I have fared to the field of the battle, + O fair one that wearest the wimple! + And twice for thy sake have I striven; + What stays me as now from thy favour? + This twice have I gotten thee glory, + O goddess of ocean! and surely + To my dainty delight, to my darling + I am dearer by far than her mate.” + </pre> + <p> + So then they set to. Cormac's sword bit not at all, and for a long while + they smote strokes one upon the other, but neither sword bit. At last + Cormac smote upon Thorvard's side so great a blow that his ribs gave way + and were broken; he could fight no more, and thereupon they parted. Cormac + looked and saw where a bull was standing, which he slew for a sacrifice; + and being heated, he doffed his helmet from his head, saying this song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (70) + “I have fared to the field of the battle, + O fair one that wearest the bracelet! + Even three times for thee have I striven, + And this thou canst never deny me. + But the reed of the fight would not redden, + Though it rang on the shield-bearer's harness; + For the spells of a spae-wife had blunted + My sword that was eager for blood.” + </pre> + <p> + He wiped the sweat from him on the corner of Steingerd's mantle; and said:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (71) + “So oft, being wounded and weary, + I must wipe my sad brow on thy mantle. + What pangs for thy sake are my portion, + O pine-tree with red gold enwreathed! + Yet beside thee he snugs on the settle + As thou seamest thy broidery,—that rhymester! + And the shame of it whelms me in sorrow, + O Steingerd!—that rascal unslain!” + </pre> + <p> + And then Cormac prayed Steingerd that she would go with him: but Nay, she + said; she would have her own way about men. So they parted, and both were + ill pleased. + </p> + <p> + Thorvard was taken home, and she bound his wounds. Cormac was now always + meeting with Steingerd. Thorvard healed but slowly; and when he could get + on his feet he went to see Thordis, and asked her what was best to help + his healing. + </p> + <p> + “A hill there is,” answered she, “not far away from here, where elves have + their haunt. Now get you the bull that Cormac killed, and redden the outer + side of the hill with its blood, and make a feast for the elves with its + flesh. Then thou wilt be healed.” + </p> + <p> + So they sent word to Cormac that they would buy the bull. He answered that + he would sell it, but then he must have the ring that was Steingerd's. So + they brought the ring, took the bull, and did with it as Thordis bade them + do. On which Cormac made a song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (72) + “When the workers of wounds are returning, + And with them the sacrifice reddened, + Then a lady in raiment of linen, + Who loved me, time was,—she will ask:— + My ring,—have ye robbed me?—where is it? + —I have wrought them no little displeasure: + For the swain that is swarthy has won it, + The son of old Ogmund, the skald.” + </pre> + <p> + It fell out as he guessed. Steingerd was very angry because they had sold + her ring. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE. How Cormac Beat Thorvard Again. + </h2> + <p> + After that, Thorvard was soon healed, and when he thought he was strong + again, he rode to Mel and challenged Cormac to the holmgang. + </p> + <p> + “It takes thee long to tire of it,” said Cormac: “but I'll not say thee + nay.” + </p> + <p> + So they went to the fight, and Thordis met Thorvard now as before, but + Cormac sought no help from her. She blunted Cormac's sword, so that it + would not bite, but yet he struck so great a stroke on Thorvard's shoulder + that the collarbone was broken and his hand was good for nothing. Being so + maimed he could fight no longer, and had to pay another ring for his + ransom. + </p> + <p> + Then Thorolf of Spakonufell set upon Cormac and struck at him. He warded + off the blow and sang this song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (73) + “This reddener of shields, feebly wrathful, + His rusty old sword waved against me, + Who am singer and sacred to Odin! + Go, snuffle, most wretched of men, thou! + A thrust of thy sword is as thewless + As thou, silly stirrer of battle. + What danger to me from thy daring, + Thou doited old witch-woman's carle?” + </pre> + <p> + Then he killed a bull in sacrifice according to use and wont, saying, “Ill + we brook your overbearing and the witchcraft of Thordis:” and he made this + song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (74) + “The witch in the wave of the offering + Has wasted the flame of the buckler, + Lest its bite on his back should be deadly + At the bringing together of weapons. + My sword was not sharp for the onset + When I sought the helm-wearer in battle; + But the cur got enough to cry craven, + With a clout that will mind him of me!” + </pre> + <p> + After that each party went home, and neither was well pleased with these + doings. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR. How They All Went Out To Norway. + </h2> + <p> + Now all the winter long Cormac and Thorgils laid up their ship in + Hrutafiord; but in spring the chapmen were off to sea, and so the brothers + made up their minds for the voyage. When they were ready to start, Cormac + went to see Steingerd: and before they two parted he kissed her twice, and + his kisses were not at all hasty. The Tinker would not have it; and so + friends on both sides came in, and it was settled that Cormac should pay + for this that he had done. + </p> + <p> + “How much?” asked he. + </p> + <p> + “The two rings that I parted with,” said Thorvard. Then Cormac made a + song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (75) + “Here is gold of the other's well gleaming + In guerdon for this one and that one,— + Here is treasure of Fafnir the fire-drake + In fee for the kiss of my lady. + Never wearer of ring, never wielder + Of weapon has made such atonement; + Never dearer were deeply-drawn kisses,— + For the dream of my bliss is betrayed.” + </pre> + <p> + And then, when he started to go aboard his ship he made another song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (76) + “One song from my heart would I send her + Ere we shall, ere I leave her and lose her, + That dainty one, decked in her jewels + Who dwells in the valley of Swindale. + And each word that I utter shall enter + The ears of that lady of bounty, + Saying—Bright one, my beauty, I love thee, + Ah, better by far than my life!” + </pre> + <p> + So Cormac went abroad and his brother Thorgils went with him; and when + they came to the king's court they were made welcome. + </p> + <p> + Now it is told that Steingerd spoke to Thorvald the Tinker that they also + should abroad together. He answered that it was mere folly, but + nevertheless he could not deny her. So they set off on their voyage: and + as they made their way across the sea, they were attacked by vikings who + fell on them to rob them and to carry away Steingerd. But it so happened + that Cormac heard of it; and he made after them and gave good help, so + that they saved everything that belonged to them, and came safely at last + to the court of the king of Norway. + </p> + <p> + One day Cormac was walking in the street, and spied Steingerd sitting + within doors. So he went into the house and sat down beside her, and they + had a talk together which ended in his kissing her four kisses. But + Thorvald was on the watch. He drew his sword, but the women-folk rushed in + to part them, and word was sent to King Harald. He said they were very + troublesome people to keep in order.—“But let me settle this matter + between you,” said he; and they agreed. + </p> + <p> + Then spake the king:—“One kiss shall be atoned for by this, that + Cormac helped you to get safely to land. The next kiss is Cormac's, + because he saved Steingerd. For the other two he shall pay two ounces of + gold.” + </p> + <p> + Upon which Cormac sang the same song that he had made before:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (77) + “Here is gold of the otter's well gleaming + In guerdon for this one and that one,— + Here is treasure of Fafnir the fire-drake + In fee for the kiss of my lady. + Never wearer of ring, never wielder + Of weapon has made such atonement; + Never dearer were deeply-drawn kisses— + And the dream of my bliss is betrayed.” + </pre> + <p> + Another day he was walking in the street and met Steingerd again. He + turned to her and prayed her to walk with him. She would not; whereupon he + laid hand on her, to lead her along. She cried out for help; and as it + happened, the king was standing not far off, and went up to them. He + thought this behaviour most unseemly, and took her away, speaking sharply + to Cormac. King Harald made himself very angry over this affair; but + Cormac was one of his courtiers, and it was not long before he got into + favour again, and then things went fair and softly for the rest of the + winter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE. How They Cruised With The King's Fleet, And + Quarrelled, And Made It Up. + </h2> + <p> + In the following spring King Harald set forth to the land of Permia with a + great host. Cormac was one of the captains in that warfaring, and in + another ship was Thorvald: the other captains of ships are not named in + our story. + </p> + <p> + Now as they were all sailing in close order through a narrow sound, Cormac + swung his steering-oar and hit Thorvald a clout on the ear, so that he + fell from his place at the helm in a swoon; and Cormac's ship hove to, + when she lost her rudder. Steingerd had been sitting beside Thorvald; she + laid hold of the tiller, and ran Cormac down. When he saw what she was + doing, he sang:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (78) + “There is one that is nearer and nigher + To the noblest of dames than her lover: + With the haft of the helm is he smitten + On the hat-block—and fairly amidships! + The false heir of Eystein—he falters— + He falls in the poop of his galley! + Nay! steer not upon me, O Steingerd, + Though stoutly ye carry the day!” + </pre> + <p> + So Cormac's ship capsized under him; but his crew were saved without loss + of time, for there were plenty of people round about. Thorvald soon came + round again, and they all went on their way. The king offered to settle + the matter between them; and when they both agreed, he gave judgment that + Thorvald's hurt was atoned for by Cormac's upset. + </p> + <p> + In the evening they went ashore; and the king and his men sat down to + supper. Cormac was sitting outside the door of a tent, drinking out of the + same cup with Steingerd. While they were busy at it, a young fellow for + mere sport and mockery stole the brooch out of Cormac's fur cloak, which + he had doffed and laid aside; and when he came to take his cloak again, + the brooch was gone. He sprang up and rushed after the young fellow, with + the spear that he called Vigr (the spear) and shot at him, but missed. + This was the song he made about it:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (79) + “The youngster has pilfered my pin, + As I pledged the gay dame in the beaker; + And now must we brawl for a brooch + Like boys when they wrangle and tussle. + Right well have I shafted my spear, + Though I shot nothing more than the gravel: + But sure, if I missed at my man, + The moss has been prettily slaughtered!” + </pre> + <p> + After this they went on their way to the land of Permia, and after that + they went home again to Norway. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX. How Cormac Saved Steingerd Once More From Pirates; And + How They Parted For Good And All. + </h2> + <p> + Thorvald the Tinker fitted out his ship for a cruise to Denmark, and + Steingerd sailed with him. A little afterwards the brothers set out on the + same voyage, and late one evening they made the Brenneyjar. + </p> + <p> + There they saw Thorvald's ship riding, and found him aboard with part of + his crew; but they had been robbed of all their goods, and Steingerd had + been carried off by Vikings. Now the leader of those Vikings was + Thorstein, the son of that Asmund Ashenside, the old enemy of Ogmund, the + father of Cormac and Thorgils. + </p> + <p> + So Thorvald and Cormac met, and Cormac asked how came it that his voyage + had been so unlucky. + </p> + <p> + “Things have not turned out for the best, indeed,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” asked Cormac. “Is Steingerd missing?” + </p> + <p> + “She is gone,” said Thorvald, “and all our goods.” + </p> + <p> + “Why don't you go after her?” asked Cormac. + </p> + <p> + “We are not strong enough,” said Thorvald. + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to say you can't?” said Cormac. + </p> + <p> + “We have not the means to fight Thorstein,” said Thorvald. “But if thou + hast, go in and fight for thy own hand.” + </p> + <p> + “I will,” said Cormac. + </p> + <p> + So at nightfall the brothers went in a boat and rowed to the Viking fleet, + and boarded Thorstein's ship. Steingerd was in the cabin on the poop; she + had been allotted to one of the Vikings; but most of the crew were ashore + round the cooking-fires. Cormac got the story out of the men who were + cooking, and they told all the brothers wanted to know. They clambered on + board by the ladder; Thorgils dragged the bridegroom out to the gunwale, + and Cormac cut him down then and there. Then he dived into the sea with + Steingerd and swam ashore; but when he was nearing the land a swarm of + eels twisted round his hands and feet, so that he was dragged under. On + which he made this song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (80) + “They came at me yonder in crowds, + O kemp of the shield-serpents' wrangle! + When I fared on my way through the flood, + That flock of the wights of the water. + And ne'er to the gate of the gods + Had I got me, if there had I perished; + Yet once and again have I won, + Little woman, thy safety in peril!” + </pre> + <p> + So he swam ashore and brought Steingerd back to her husband. + </p> + <p> + Thorvald bade Steingerd to go, at last, along with Cormac, for he had + fairly won her, and manfully. That was what he, too, desired, said Cormac; + but “Nay,” said Steingerd, “she would not change knives.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Cormac, “it was plain that this was not to be. Evil beings,” + he said, “ill luck, had parted them long ago.” And he made this song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (81) + “Nay, count not the comfort had brought me, + Fair queen of the ring, thy embrace! + Go, mate with the man of thy choosing, + Scant mirth will he get of thy grace! + Be dearer henceforth to thy dastard, + False dame of the coif, than to me;— + I have spoken the word; I have sung it;— + I have said my last farewell to thee.” + </pre> + <p> + And so he bade her begone with her husband. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN. The Swan-Songs of Cormac. + </h2> + <p> + After these things the brothers turned back to Norway, and Thorvald the + Tinker made his way to Iceland. But the brothers went warfaring round + about Ireland, Wales, England and Scotland, and they were reckoned to be + the most famous of men. It was they who first built the castle of + Scarborough; they made raids into Scotland, and achieved many great feats, + and led a mighty host; and in all that host none was like Cormac in + strength and courage. + </p> + <p> + Once upon a time, after a battle, Cormac was driving the flying foe before + him while the rest of his host had gone back aboard ship. Out of the woods + there rushed against him one as monstrous big as an idol—a Scot; and + a fierce struggle began. Cormac felt for his sword, but it had slipped out + of the sheath; he was over-matched, for the giant was possessed; but yet + he reached out, caught his sword, and struck the giant his death-blow. + Then the giant cast his hands about Cormac, and gripped his sides so hard + that the ribs cracked, and he fell over, and the dead giant on top of him, + so that he could not stir. Far and wide his folk were looking for him, but + at last they found him and carried him aboard ship. Then he made this + song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (82) + “When my manhood was matched in embraces + With the might of yon horror, the strangler, + Far other I found it than folding + That fair one ye know in my arms! + On the high-seat of heroes with Odin + From the horn of the gods I were drinking + O'er soon—let me speak it to warriors— + If Skrymir had failed of his aid.” + </pre> + <p> + Then his wounds were looked to; they found that his ribs were broken on + both sides. He said it was no use trying to heal him, and lay there in his + wounds for a time, while his men grieved that he should have been so + unwary of his life. + </p> + <p> + He answered them in song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (83) + “Of yore never once did I ween it, + When I wielded the cleaver of targets, + That sickness was fated to foil me— + A fighter so hardy as I. + But I shrink not, for others must share it, + Stout shafts of the spear though they deem them, + —O hard at my heart is the death-pang,— + Thus hopeless the bravest may die.” + </pre> + <p> + And this song also:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (84) + “He came not with me in the morning, + Thy mate, O thou fairest of women, + When we reddened for booty the broadsword, + So brave to the hand-grip, in Ireland: + When the sword from its scabbard was loosened + And sang round my cheeks in the battle + For the feast of the Fury, and blood-drops + Fell hot on the neb of the raven.” + </pre> + <p> + And then he began to fail. + </p> + <p> + This was his last song:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (85) + “There was dew from the wound smitten deeply + That drained from the stroke of the sword-edge; + There was red on the weapon I wielded + In the war with the glorious and gallant: + Yet not where the broadsword,—the blood wand,— + Was borne by the lords of the falchion, + But low in the straw like a laggard, + O my lady, dishonoured I die!” + </pre> + <p> + He said that his will was to give Thorgils his brother all he had,—the + goods he owned and the host he led; for he would like best, he said, that + his brother should have the use of them. + </p> + <p> + So then Cormac died. Thorgils became captain over the host, and was long + time in viking. + </p> + <p> + And so ends the story. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Life and Death of Cormac the Skald, by Unknown + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE AND DEATH OF CORMAC *** + +***** This file should be named 265-h.htm or 265-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/6/265/ + +Produced by Doublas B. Killings and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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