the best is gone, he will desire the good."

"So be it, mother. As I sat crouched behind Gudruda in the snow at
Coldback, I had half a mind to end her love-words with this knife, for
so I should have been free of her."

"Yes, and fast in the doom-ring, thou wildcat. The gods help this Eric,
if thou winnest him. Nay, choose thy time and, if thou must strike,
strike secretly and home. Remember also that cunning is mightier than
strength, that lies pierce further than swords, and that witchcraft wins
where honesty must fail. Now I will go to Asmund, and he shall be an
angry man before to-morrow comes."

Then Groa went to the shut bed where Asmund the Priest slept. He was
sitting on the bed and asked her why she came.

"For love of thee, Asmund, and thy house, though thou dost treat me ill,
who hast profited so much by me and my foresight. Say now: wilt thou
that this daughter of thine, Gudruda the Fair, should be the light May
of yonder long-legged yeoman?"

"That is not in my mind," said Asmund, stroking his beard.

"Knowest thou, then, that this very day your white Gudruda sat on Eric's
lap in the snow, while he fondled her to his heart's content?"

"Most likely it was for warmth. Men do not dream on love in the hour of
death. Who saw this?"

"Swanhild, who was behind, and hid herself for shame, and therefore she