eye."

Men thought this well sung, and turned to hear Asmund's answer, nor must
they wait long.

"Eric," he said, "I will promise thee this, that if thou goest on as
thou hast begun, I will give Gudruda in marriage to no other man."

"That is good tidings, lord," said Eric.

"This I say further: in a year I will give thee full answer according as
to how thou dost bear thyself between now and then, for this is no light
gift thou askest; also that, if ye will it, you twain may now plight
troth, for the blame shall be yours if it is broken, and not mine, and I
give thee my hand on it."

Eric took his hand, and Gudruda heard her father's words and happiness
shone in her dark eyes, and she grew faint for very joy. And now Eric
turned to her, all torn and bloody from the fray, the great sword in his
hand, and he spoke thus:

"Thou hast heard thy father's words, Gudruda? Now it seems that there is
no great need of troth-plighting between us two. Still, here before
all men I ask thee, if thou dost love me and art willing to take me to
husband?"

Gudruda looked up into his face, and answered in a sweet, clear voice
that could be heard by all:

"Eric, I say to thee now, what I have said before, that I love thee
alone of all men, and, if it be my father's wish, I will wed no other
whilst thou dost remain true to me and hold me dear."

"Those are good words," said Eric. "Now, in pledge of them, swear this
troth of thine upon my sword that I have won."

Gudruda smiled, and, taking great Whitefire in her hand, she said the
words again, and, in pledge of them, kissed the bright blade.

Then Eric took back the war-sword and spoke thus: "I swear that I will
love thee, and thee only, Gudruda the Fair, Asmund's daughter, whom I
have desired all my days; and, if I fail of this my oath, then our troth
is at an end, and thou mayst wed whom thou wilt," and in turn he put his
lips upon the sword, while Swanhild watched them do the oath.

Now Ospakar was recovered from the fight, and he sat there upon the
snow, with bowed head, for he knew well that he had won the greatest
shame, and had lost both wife and sword. Black rage filled his heart as
he listened, and he sprang to his feet.

"I came hither, Asmund," he said, "to ask this maid of thine in
marriage, and methinks that had been a good match for her and thee. But
I have been overthrown by witchcraft of this man in a wrestling-bout,
and thereby lost my good sword; and now I