have forsaken thee."

_Gunnar_.

27. "Too late it is to speak, it is now so resolved; from the
journey we shall not shrink, as it is decreed to go: very probable it
seems that our lives will be short."

28. When colours were discernible, those on journey bent all rose
up: the others fain would stay them. The five journeyed together, of
"hus-carls" there were present twice that number--it was ill
devised--Snaevar and Solar, they were Hogni's sons; Orkning he was
named, who them accompanied, a gentle shield-bearer was he, the
brother of Hogni's wife.

29. They went fair-appointed, until the firth them parted: ever
would their wives have stayed them, they would not be stayed.

30. Glaumvor then spake, Gunnar's consort, Vingi she addressed, as
to her seemed fitting: "I know not whether ye will requite us as we
would: with treachery came the guest, if aught of ill betide."

31. Then Vingi swore, little spared he himself: "May him the Jotuns
have, if towards you he lies! the gallows hold him, if aught against
peace he meditates!"

32. Bera took up the word, she of gentle soul: "Sail ye prosperous,
and may success attend you: may it be as I pray, and if nothing
hinder!"

33. Hogni answered--he to his kin meant well--"Be of good cheer, ye
prudent! whatever may befall. Many say the same, though with great
difference; for many little care how they depart from home."

34. On each other then they looked before they parted: then, I ween,
their fates were severed, and their ways divided.

35. Vigorously they rowed, their bark was well nigh riven; backward
bending the waves they beat, ardently plied: their oar-bands were
broken, the rowlocks shattered. They made not the vessel fast before
they quitted it.[113]

36. A little after--I will the end relate--they saw the mansion
stand that Budli had possessed. Loud creaked the latticed gates, when
Hogni knocked.

37. Then said Vingi, what he had better not, "Go far from the house,
'tis perilous to enter; I quickly enticed you to perdition; ye shall
forthwith be slain. With fair words I prayed your coming, though guile
was under them. But just bide here, while a gallows I prepare."

38. Hogni answered--little thought he of yielding, or of aught
fearful that was to be proved:--"Think not to frighten us: try that
seldom. If one word thou addest, thou wilt thy harm prolong."

39. They rushed on Vingi, and struck him dead, laid on their axes,
while life within him throbbed.