forward. Then was search made throughout the homestead if any woman
were so learned. Then answered Gudrid, “I am not skilled in deep
learning, nor am I a wise-woman, although Halldis, my foster-mother,
taught me, in Iceland, the lore which she called Weird-songs.” “Then
art thou wise in good season,” answered Thorbjorg; but Gudrid replied,
“That lore and the ceremony are of such a kind, that I purpose to be
of no assistance therein, because I am a Christian woman.” Then
answered Thorbjorg, “Thou mightest perchance afford thy help to the
men in this company, and yet be none the worse woman than thou wast
before; but to Thorkell give I charge to provide here the things that
are needful.” Thorkell thereupon urged Gudrid to consent, and she
yielded to his wishes. The women formed a ring round about, and
Thorbjorg ascended the scaffold and the seat prepared for her
enchantments. Then sang Gudrid the weird-song in so beautiful and
excellent a manner, that to no one there did it seem that he had ever
before heard the song in voice so beautiful as now. The spae-queen
thanked her for the song. “Many spirits,” said she, “have been present
under its charm, and were pleased to listen to the song, who before
would turn away from us, and grant us no such homage. And now are many
things clear to me which before were hidden both from me and others.
And I am able this to say, that the dearth will last no longer--the
season improving as spring advances. The epidemic of fever which has
long oppressed us will disappear quicker than we could have hoped. And
thee, Gudrid, will I recompense straightway, for that aid of thine
which has stood us in good stead; because thy destiny is now clear to
me, and foreseen. Thou shalt make a match here in Greenland, a most
honourable one, though it will not be a long-lived one for thee,
because thy way lies out to Iceland; and there, shall arise from thee
a line of descendants both numerous and goodly, and over the branches
of thy family shall shine a bright ray. And so fare thee now well and