Page:The Story of Egil Skallagrimsson.djvu/156



&lt;strong&gt;12.&lt;/strong&gt;

'Axe furnished feast For Ogress' beast: Eric on the wave To wolves flesh-banquet gave.

&lt;strong&gt;13.&lt;/strong&gt;

'Javelins flying sped, Peace affrighted fled; Bows were bent amain, Wolves were battle-fain: Spears in shivers split, Sword-teeth keenly bit; Archers' strings loud sang, Arrows forward sprang.

&lt;strong&gt;14.&lt;/strong&gt;

'He back his buckler flings From arm beset with rings, Sword-play-stirrer good, Spiller of foemen's blood. Waxing everywhere (Witness true I bear), East o'er billows came Eric's sounding name.

&lt;strong&gt;15.&lt;/strong&gt;

'Bent the king his yew, Bees wound-bearing flew: Eric on the wave To wolves flesh-banquet gave.

&lt;strong&gt;16.&lt;/strong&gt;

'Yet to make more plain I to men were fain High-soul'd mood of king, But must swiftly sing. Weapons when he takes, The battle-goddess wakes, On ships' shielded side Streams the battle-tide.

&lt;strong&gt;17.&lt;/strong&gt;

'Gems from wrist he gives, Glittering armlets rives: Lavish ring-despiser Loves not hoarding miser. Frodi's flour of gold Gladdens rovers bold; Prince bestoweth scorning Pebbles hand-adorning.

&lt;strong&gt;18.&lt;/strong&gt;

'Foemen might not stand For his deathful brand; Yew-bow loudly sang, Sword-blades meeting rang. Lances aye were cast, Still he the land held fast, Proud Eric prince renowned; And praise his feats hath crowned.

&lt;strong&gt;19.&lt;/strong&gt;

'Monarch, at thy will Judge my minstrel skill: Silence thus to find Sweetly cheered my mind. Moved my mouth with word From my heart's ground stirred, Draught of Odin's wave Due to warrior brave.

&lt;strong&gt;20.&lt;/strong&gt;

'Silence I have broken, A sovereign's glory spoken: Words I knew well-fitting Warrior-council sitting. Praise from heart I bring, Praise to honoured king: Plain I sang and clear Song that all could hear.'

Chapter 64 - Egil's life is given him.

King Eric sate upright while Egil recited the poem, and looked keenly at him. And when the song of praise was ended, then spake the king: 'Right well was the poem recited; and now, Arinbjorn, I have resolved