"Thinkest thou so?" he answered. "Well, I will say this, that I ask no
better end."

"It is a bad end for thee, Eric: to be choked in snow, and with all thy
deeds to do."

"It is a good end, Gudruda, to die at thy side, for so I shall die
happy; but I grieve for thee."

"Grieve not for me, Brighteyes, worse things might befall."

He drew nearer to her, and now he put his arms about her and clasped her
to his bosom; nor did she say him nay. Swanhild saw and lifted herself
up behind them, but for a while she heard nothing but the beating of her
heart.

"Listen, Gudruda," Eric said at last. "Death draws near to us, and
before it comes I would speak to thee, if speak I may."

"Speak on," she whispers from his breast.

"This I would say, then: that I love thee, and that I ask no better fate
than to die in thy arms."

"First shalt thou see me die in thine, Eric."

"Be sure, if that is so, I shall not tarry for long. Oh! Gudruda, since
I was a child I have loved thee with a mighty love, and now thou art all
to me. Better to die thus than to live without thee. Speak, then, while
there is time."