26.  “Methought dead women in the night came hither; not ill-clad were they:  they would choose thee, forthwith invited thee to their seats.  I ween thy Disir have forsaken thee.”

Gunnar.

27.  “Too late it is to speak, it is now so resolved; from the journey we shall not shrink, as it is decreed to go:  very probable it seems that our lives will be short.”

28.  When colours were discernible, those on journey bent all rose up:  the others fain would stay them.  The five journeyed together, of “hus-carls” there were present twice that number—­it was ill devised—­Snaevar and Solar, they were Hogni’s sons; Orkning he was named, who them accompanied, a gentle shield-bearer was he, the brother of Hogni’s wife.

29.  They went fair-appointed, until the firth them parted:  ever would their wives have stayed them, they would not be stayed.

30.  Glaumvor then spake, Gunnar’s consort, Vingi she addressed, as to her seemed fitting:  “I know not whether ye will requite us as we would:  with treachery came the guest, if aught of ill betide.”

31.  Then Vingi swore, little spared he himself:  “May him the Jotuns have, if towards you he lies! the gallows hold him, if aught against peace he meditates!”

32.  Bera took up the word, she of gentle soul:  “Sail ye prosperous, and may success attend you:  may it be as I pray, and if nothing hinder!”

33.  Hogni answered—­he to his kin meant well—­“Be of good cheer, ye prudent! whatever may befall.  Many say the same, though with great difference; for many little care how they depart from home.”

34.  On each other then they looked before they parted:  then, I ween, their fates were severed, and their ways divided.

35.  Vigorously they rowed, their bark was well nigh riven; backward bending the waves they beat, ardently plied:  their oar-bands were broken, the rowlocks shattered.  They made not the vessel fast before they quitted it.[113]

36.  A little after—­I will the end relate—­they saw the mansion stand that Budli had possessed.  Loud creaked the latticed gates, when Hogni knocked.

37.  Then said Vingi, what he had better not, “Go far from the house, ’tis perilous to enter; I quickly enticed you to perdition; ye shall forthwith be slain.  With fair words I prayed your coming, though guile was under them.  But just bide here, while a gallows I prepare.”

38.  Hogni answered—­little thought he of yielding, or of aught fearful that was to be proved:—­“Think not to frighten us:  try that seldom.  If one word thou addest, thou wilt thy harm prolong.”

39.  They rushed on Vingi, and struck him dead, laid on their axes, while life within him throbbed.

40.  Atli his men assembled, in their byrnies they issued forth, went prepared so that a fence was between them.  Words they bandied, all with rage boiling:  “Already had we resolved to take your lives away.”