Now the men fell thick, and far before all others was the
fighting of those brethren, and the battle endured a long while
unto midday; Gunnar and Hogni went right through the folk of
Atli, and so tells the tale that all the mead ran red with blood;
the sons of Hogni withal set on stoutly.
Then spake Atli the king, "A fair host and a great have we, and
mighty champions withal, and yet have many of us fallen, and but
evil am I apaid in that nineteen of my champions are slain, and
but left six alive."
And therewithal was there a lull in the battle.
Then spake Atli the king, "Four brethren were we, and now am I
left alone; great affinity I gat to me, and deemed my fortune
well sped thereby; a wife I had, fair and wise, high of mind, and
great of heart; but no joyance may I have of her wisdom, for
little peace is betwixt us, -- but ye -- ye have slain many of my
kin, and beguiled me of realm and riches, and for the greatest of
all woes have slain my sister withal."
Quoth Hogni, "Why babblest thou thus? Thou wert the first to
break the peace.
Pages:
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216