Haggard, H. Rider (Henry Rider), 1856-1925 / 2008-11-18 00:00:00

And one thing I know
well that, whether thou or I prevail, in the end thou shalt harvest the
greatest shame, and in times to come men shall speak of thee with hatred
and name thee by ill names. Moreover, Eric shall never love thee; from
year to year he shall hate thee with a deeper hate, though it may well
be that thou wilt bring ruin on him. And now I thank thee that thou
hast told me all thy mind, showing me what indeed thou art!" And Gudruda
turned scornfully upon her heel and walked away.
Now Asmund the Priest went out into the courtyard, and meeting Ospakar
Blacktooth, greeted him heartily, though he did not like his looks, and
took him by the hand and led him to the hall, that was bravely decked
with tapestries, and seated him by his side on the high seat. And
Ospakar's thralls brought good gifts for Asmund, who thanked the giver
well.
Now it was supper time, and Gudruda came in, and after her walked
Swanhild. Ospakar gazed hard at Gudruda and a great desire entered into
him to make her his wife. But she passed coldly by, nor looked on him at
all.
"This, then, is that maid of thine of whom I have heard tell, Asmund? I
will say this: fairer was never born of woman."
Then men ate and Ospakar drank much ale, but all the while he stared at
Gudruda and listened for her voice. But as yet he said nothing of what
he came to seek, though all knew his errand. And his two sons, Gizur
and Mord, stared also at Gudruda, for they thought her most wonderfully
fair.
Read more


Parts: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19