thing we bespoke then is still uppermost in my mind,
for indeed I begrudge me not the noblest of matches could it but be
brought about." Snorri spake, "I am most willing and ready to back
that matter up on your behalf, seeing that now we are rid of both the
things that seemed to you the most troublesome to overcome, if you
were to get Gudrun for wife at all, in that Bolli is revenged and
Thorgils is out of the way." Thorkell said, "Your counsels go very
deep, Snorri, and into this affair I go heart and soul." Snorri stayed
in the ship several nights, and then they took a ten-oared boat that
floated alongside of the merchant ship and got ready with
five-and-twenty men, and went to Holyfell. Gudrun gave an exceeding
affectionate welcome to Snorri, and a most goodly cheer they had; and
when they had been there one night Snorri called Gudrun to talk to
him, and spake, "Matters have come to this, that I have undertaken
this journey for my friend Thorkell, Eyjolf's son, and he has now come
here, as you see, and his errand hither is to set forth the wooing of
you. Thorkell is a man of noble degree. You know yourself all about
his race and doings in life, nor is he short of wealth either. To my
mind, he is now the one man west about here who is most likely to
become a chieftain, if to that end he will put himself forward.
Thorkell is held in great esteem when he is out there, but by much is
he more honoured when he is in Norway in the train of titled men."
[Sidenote: Gudrun accepts his proposal] Then answers Gudrun: "My sons
Thorleik and Bolli must have most to say in this matter; but you,
Snorri, are the third man on whom I shall most rely for counsels in
matters by which I set a great store, for you have long been a
wholesome guide to me." Snorri said he deemed it a clear case that
Thorkell must not be turned off. Thereupon Snorri had the sons of
Gudrun called in, and sets forth the matter to them, laying down how
great an help Thorkell might afford them by reason of his wealth and
wise foresight; and smoothly he framed his speech on this matter. Then
Bolli answered: "My mother will know how most clearly to see through
this matter, and herein I shall be of one mind with her own will. But,
to be sure, we shall deem it wise to set much store by your pleading
this matter, Snorri, for you have done to us mightily well in many
things." Then Gudrun spake: "In this matter we will lean most on
Snorri's foresight, for to us your counse