Chapter 78 - Egil speaks the Sonatorrek and the Arinbjarnarkviða.

There was a man named Olaf, son of Hauskuld Dale-koll's son and Melkorka daughter of Myrkjartan king of the Irish. Olaf dwelt at Hjardarholt in Lax-river-dale, westward in Broad-firth dales. Olaf was very wealthy, the handsomest man in Iceland of his time, of a noble character. He asked to wife Thorgerdr, Egil's daughter. Thorgerdr was comely, tall above woman's wont, wise, rather proud-spirited, but in daily life gentle. Egil was well acquainted with Olaf, and knew that the match was a worthy one, wherefore Thorgerdr was given to Olaf. She went home with him to Hjardarholt. Their children were Kjartan, Thorberg, Halldor, Steindor, Thurid, Thorbjorg, and Bergthora who married thorhall Oddason the Priest. Thorbjorg married first Asgeir Knattarson, and later Vermund Thorgrimsson. Thurid married Godmund Solmundarson and their sons were Hall and Killer-Bardi.

Auzur, Eyvind's son, brother of Thorod in Olvos, had to wife Egil's daughter Bera.

Bodvar Egil's son was just now growing up; he was a youth of great promise, handsome, tall and strong as had been Egil or Thorolf at his age. Egil loved him dearly, and Bodvar was very fond of his father. One summer it happened that there was a ship in White-river, and a great fair was held there. Egil had there bought much wood, which he was having conveyed home by water: for this his house-carles went, taking with them an eight-oared boat belonging to Egil. It chanced one time that Bodvar begged to go with them, and they allowed him so to do. So he went into the field with the house-carles. They were six in all on the eight-oared boat. And when they had to go out again, high-water was late in the day, and, as they must needs wait for the turn of tide, they did not start till late in the evening. Then came on a violent south-west gale, against which ran the stream of the ebb. This made a rough sea in the firth, as can often happen. The end was that the boat sank under them, and all were lost. The next day the bodies were cast up: Bodvar's body came on shore at Einars-ness, but some came in on the south shore of the firth, whither also the boat was driven, being found far in near Reykjarhamar.

Egil heard these tidings that same day, and at once rode to seek the bodies: he found Bodvar's, took it up and set it on his knees, and rode with it out to Digra-ness, to Skallagrim's mound. Then he had the mound opened, and laid Bodvar down there by Skallagrim. After which the mound was closed again; this task was not finished till about nightfall. Egil then rode home to Borg, and, when he came home, he went at once to the locked bed-closet in which he was wont to sleep. He lay down, and shut himself in, none daring to crave speech of him.

It is said that when they laid Bodvar in earth Egil was thus dressed: his hose were tight-fitting to his legs, he wore a red kirtle of fustian, closely-fitting, and laced at the sides: but they say that his muscles so swelled with his exertion that the kirtle was rent off him, as were also the hose.

On the next day Egil still did not open the bed-closet: he had no meat or drink: there he lay for that day and the following night, no man daring to speak with him. But on the third morning, as soon as it was light, Asgerdr had a man set on horseback, who rode as hard as he could westwards to Hjardarholt, and told Thorgerdr all these tidings; it was about nones when he got there. He said also that Asgerdr had sent her word to come without delay southwards to Borg. Thorgerdr at once bade them saddle her a horse, and two men attended her. They rode that evening and through the night till they came to Borg. Thorgerdr went at once into the hall. Asgerdr greeted her, and asked whether they had eaten supper. Thorgerdr said aloud, 'No supper have I had, and none will I have till I sup with Freyja. I can do no better than does my father: I will not overlive my father and brother.' She then went to the bed-closet and called, 'Father, open the door! I will that we both travel the same road.' Egil undid the lock. Thorgerdr stepped up into the bed-closet, and locked the door again, and lay down on another bed that was there.

Then said Egil, 'You do well, daughter, in that you will follow your father. Great love have you shown to me. What hope is there that I shall wish to live with this grief?' After this they were silent awhile. Then Egil spoke: 'What is it now, daughter? You are chewing something, are you not?' 'I am chewing samphire,' said she, 'because I think it will do me harm. Otherwise I think I may live too long.' 'Is samphire bad for man?' said Egil. 'Very bad,' said she; 'will you eat some?' 'Why should I not?' said he. A little while after she called and bade them give her drink. Water was brought to her. Then said Egil, 'This comes of eating samphire, one ever thirsts the more.' 'Would you like a drink, father?' said she. He took and swallowed the liquid in a deep draught: it was in a horn. Then said Thorgerdr: 'Now are we deceived; this is milk.' Whereat Egil bit a sherd out of the horn, all that his teeth gripped, and cast the horn down.

Then spoke Thorgerdr: 'What counsel shall we take now? This our purpose is defeated. Now I would fain, father, that we should lengthen our lives, so that you may compose a funeral poem on Bodvar, and I will grave it on a wooden roller; after that we can die, if we like. Hardly, I think, can Thorstein your son compose a poem on Bodvar; but it were unseemly that he should not have funeral rites. Though I do not think that we two shall sit at the drinking when the funeral feast is held.' Egil said that it was not to be expected that he could now compose, though he were to attempt it. 'However, I will try this,' said he.

Egil had had another son named Gunnar, who had died a short time before.

So then Egil began the poem, and this is the beginning.





      SONA-TORREK (SONS' LOSS).

      1.

      'Much doth it task me
      My tongue to move,
      Through my throat to utter
      The breath of song.
      Poesy, prize of Odin,
      Promise now I may not,
      A draught drawn not lightly
      From deep thought's dwelling.

      2.

      'Forth it flows but hardly;
      For within my breast
      Heaving sobbing stifles
      Hindered stream of song
      Blessed boon to mortals
      Brought from Odin's kin,
      Goodly treasure, stolen
      From Giant-land of yore.

      3.

      'He, who so blameless
      Bore him in life,
      O'erborne by billows
      With boat was whelmed.
      Sea-wavesflood that whilom
      Welled from giant's wound
      Smite upon the grave-gate
      Of my sire and son.

      4.

      'Dwindling now my kindred
      Draw near to their end,
      Ev'n as forest-saplings
      Felled or tempest-strown.
      Not gay or gladsome
      Goes he who beareth
      Body of kinsman
      On funeral bier.

      5.

      'Of father fallen
      First I may tell;
      Of much-loved mother
      Must mourn the loss.
      Sad store hath memory
      For minstrel skill,
      A wood to bloom leafy
      With words of song.

      6.

      'Most woful the breach,
      Where the wave in-brake
      On the fenced hold
      Of my father's kin.
      Unfilled, as I wot,
      And open doth stand
      The gap of son rent
      By the greedy surge.

      7.

      'Me Ran, the sea-queen,
      Roughly hath shaken:
      I stand of beloved ones
      Stript and all bare.
      Cut hath the billow
      The cord of my kin,
      Strand of mine own twisting
      So stout and strong.

      8.

      'Sure, if sword could venge
      Such cruel wrong,
      Evil times would wait
      Ægir, ocean-god.
      That wind-giant's brother
      Were I strong to slay,
      'Gainst him and his sea-brood
      Battling would I go.

      9.

      'But I in no wise
      Boast, as I ween,
      Strength that may strive
      With the stout ships' Bane.
      For to eyes of all
      Easy now 'tis seen
      How the old man's lot
      Helpless is and lone.

      10.

      'Me hath the main
      Of much bereaved;
      Dire is the tale,
      The deaths of kin:
      Since he the shelter
      And shield of my house
      Hied him from life
      To heaven's glad realm.

      11.

      'Full surely I know,
      In my son was waxing
      The stuff and the strength
      Of a stout-limbed wight:
      Had he reached but ripeness
      To raise his shield,
      And Odin laid hand
      On his liegeman true.

      12.

      'Willing he followed
      His father's word,
      Though all opposing
      Should thwart my rede:
      He in mine household
      Mine honour upheld,
      Of my power and rule
      The prop and the stay.

      13.

      'Oft to my mind
      My loss doth come,
      How I brotherless bide
      Bereaved and lone.
      Thereon I bethink me,
      When thickens the fight
      Thereon with much searching
      My soul doth muse:

      14.

      'Who staunch stands by me
      In stress of fight,
      Shoulder to shoulder,
      Side by side?
      Such want doth weaken
      In war's dread hour;
      Weak-winged I fly,
      Whom friends all fail.

      15.

      'Son's place to his sire
      (Saith a proverb true)
      Another son born
      Alone can fill.
      Of kinsmen none
      (Though ne'er so kind)
      To brother can stand
      In brother's stead.
      'O'er all our ice-fields,
      Our northern snows,
      Few now I find
      Faithful and true.
      Dark deeds men love,
      Doom death to their kin,
      A brother's body
      Barter for gold.

      16.

      'Unpleasing to me
      Our people's mood,
      Each seeking his own
      In selfish peace.
      To the happier bees' home
      Hath passed my son,
      My good wife's child
      To his glorious kin.

      17.

      'Odin, mighty monarch,
      Of minstrel mead the lord,
      On me a heavy hand
      Harmful doth lay.
      Gloomy in unrest
      Ever I grieve,
      Sinks my drooping brow,
      Seat of sight and thought.

      18.

      Fierce fire of sickness
      First from my home
      Swept off a son
      With savage blow:

      19.

      One who was heedful,
      Harmless, I wot,
      In deeds unblemished,
      In words unblamed.

      20.

      'Still do I mind me,
      When the Friend of men
      High uplifted
      To the home of gods
      That sapling stout
      Of his father's stem,
      Of my true wife born
      A branch so fair.

      21.

      'Once bare I goodwill
      To the great spear-lord,
      Him trusty and true
      I trowed for friend:
      Ere the giver of conquest,
      The car-borne god,
      Broke faith and friendship
      False in my need.

      22.

      'Now victim and worship
      To Vilir's brother,
      The god once honoured,
      I give no more.
      Yet the friend of Mimir
      On me hath bestowed
      Some boot for bale,
      If all boons I tell.

      23.

      'Yea he, the wolf-tamer,
      The war-god skilful,
      Gave poesy faultless
      To fill my soul:
      Gave wit to know well
      Each wily trickster,
      And force him to face me
      As foeman in fight.

      24.

      'Hard am I beset;
      Whom Hela, the sister
      Of Odin's fell captive,
      On Digra-ness waits.
      Yet shall I gladly
      With right good welcome
      Dauntless in bearing
      Her death-blow bide.'

Egil began to cheer up as the composing of the poem went on; and when the poem was complete, he brought it before Asgerdr and Thorgerdr and his family. He rose from his bed, and took his place in the high-seat. This poem he called 'Loss of Sons.' And now Egil had the funeral feast of his son held after ancient custom. But when Thorgerdr went home, Egil enriched her with good gifts.

Long time did Egil dwell at Borg, and became an old man. But it is not told that he had lawsuits with any here in the land; nor is there a word of single combats, or war and slaughter of his after he settled down here in Iceland. They say that Egil never went abroad out of Iceland after the events already related. And for this the main cause was that Egil might not be in Norway, by reason of the charges which (as has been told before) the kings there deemed they had against him. He kept house in munificent style, for there was no lack of money, and his disposition led him to munificence.

King Hacon, Athelstan's foster-son, long ruled over Norway; but in the latter part of his life Eric's sons came to Norway and strove with him for the kingdom; and they had battles together, wherein Hacon ever won the victory. The last battle was fought in Hordaland, on Stord-island, at Fitjar: there king Hacon won the victory, but also got his death-wound. After that Eric's sons took the kingdom in Norway.

Lord Arinbjorn was with Harold Eric's son, and was made his counsellor, and had of him great honours. He was commander of his forces and defender of the land. A great warrior was Arinbjorn, and a victorious. He was governor of the Firth folk. Egil Skallagrimsson heard these tidings of the change of kings in Norway, and therewith how Arinbjorn had returned to his estates in Norway, and was there in great honour. Then Egil composed a poem about Arinbjorn, whereof this is the beginning:

      ARINBJORN'S EPIC, OR A PART THEREOF.

      1.

      'For generous prince
      Swift praise I find,
      But stint my words
      To stingy churl.
      Openly sing I
      Of king's true deeds,
      But silence keep
      On slander's lies.

      2.

      'For fabling braggarts
      Full am I of scorn,
      But willing speak I
      Of worthy friends:
      Courts I of monarchs
      A many have sought,
      A gallant minstrel
      Of guileless mood.

      3.

      'Erewhile the anger
      Of Yngling's son
      I bore, prince royal
      Of race divine.
      With hood of daring
      O'er dark locks drawn
      A lord right noble
      I rode to seek.

      4.

      'There sate in might
      The monarch strong,
      With helm of terror
      High-throned and dread;
      A king unbending
      With bloody blade
      Within York city
      Wielded he power.

      5.

      'That moon-like brightness
      Might none behold,
      Nor brook undaunted
      Great Eric's brow:
      As fiery serpent
      His flashing eyes
      Shot starry radiance
      Stern and keen.

      6.

      'Yet I to this ruler
      Of fishful seas
      My bolster-mate's ransom
      Made bold to bear,
      Of Odin's goblet
      O'erflowing dew
      Each listening ear-mouth
      Eagerly drank.

      7.

      'Not beauteous in seeming
      My bardic fee
      To ranks of heroes
      In royal hall:
      When I my hood-knoll
      Wolf-gray of hue
      For mead of Odin
      From monarch gat.

      8.

      'Thankful I took it,
      And therewithal
      The pit-holes black
      Of my beetling brows;
      Yea and that mouth
      That for me bare
      The poem of praise
      To princely knees.

      9.

      'Tooth-fence took I,
      And tongue likewise,
      Ears' sounding chambers
      And sheltering eaves.
      And better deemed I
      Than brightest gold
      The gift then given
      By glorious king.

      10.

      'There a staunch stay
      Stood by my side,
      One man worth many
      Of meaner wights,
      Mine own true friend
      Whom trusty I found,
      High-couraged ever
      In counsels bold.

      11.

      'Arinbjorn
      Alone us saved
      Foremost of champions
      From fury of king;
      Friend of the monarch
      He framed no lies
      Within that palace
      Of warlike prince.

      12.

      'Of the stay of our house
      Still spake he truth,
      (While much he honoured
      My hero-deeds)
      Of the son of Kveldulf,
      Whom fair-haired king
      Slew for a slander,
      But honoured slain.
      Wrong were it if he
      Who wrought me good,
      Gold-splender lavish,
      Such gifts had cast
      To the wasteful tract
      Of the wild sea-mew,
      To the surge rough-ridden
      By sea-kings' steeds.

      13.

      'False to my friend
      Were I fairly called,
      An untrue steward
      Of Odin's cup;
      Of praise unworthy,
      Pledge-breaker vile,
      If I for such good
      Gave nought again.

      14.

      'Now better seeth
      The bard to climb
      With feet poetic
      The frowning steep,
      And set forth open
      In sight of all
      The laud and honour
      Of high-born chief.

      15.

      'Now shall my voice-plane
      Shape into song
      Virtues full many
      Of valiant friend.
      Ready on tongue
      Twofold they lie,
      Yea, threefold praises
      Of Thorir's son.

      16.

      'First tell I forth
      What far is known,
      Openly bruited
      In ears of all;
      How generous of mood
      Men deem this lord,
      Bjorn of the hearth-fire
      The birchwood's bane.

      17.

      'Folk bear witness
      With wond'ring praise,
      How to all guests
      Good gifts he gives:
      For Bjorn of the hearth-stone
      Is blest with store
      Freely and fully
      By Frey and Njord.

      18.

      'To him, high scion
      Of Hroald's tree,
      Fulness of riches
      Flowing hath come;
      And friends ride thither
      In thronging crowd
      By all wide ways
      'Neath windy heaven.

      19.

      'Above his ears
      Around his brow
      A coronal fair,
      As a king, he wore.
      Beloved of gods,
      Beloved of men,
      The warrior's friend,
      The weakling's aid.

      20.

      'That mark he hitteth
      That most men miss;
      Though money they gather,
      This many lack:
      For few be the bounteous
      And far between,
      Nor easily shafted
      Are all men's spears.

      21.

      'Out of the mansion
      Of Arinbjorn,
      When guested and rested
      In generous wise,
      None with hard jest,
      None with rude jeer,
      None with his axe-hand
      Ungifted hie.

      22.

      'Hater of money
      Is he of the Firths,
      A foe to the gold-drops
      Of Draupnir born.
      . . . . .
      Rings he scatters,
      Riches he squanders,
      Of avarice thievish
      An enemy still.
      . . . . .

      23.

      'Long course of life
      His lot hath been,
      By battles broken,
      Bereft of peace.
      . . . . .

      24.

      Sadly I'll have served him
      If the seed he has give
      Should be wasted, not winnowed,
      And blow in the wind.

      25.

      'Early waked I,
      Word I gathered,
      Toiled each morning
      With speech-moulding tongue.
      A proud pile built I
      Of praise long-lasting
      To stand unbroken
      In Bragi's town.'

There was a man named Einar. He was the son of Helgi, the son of Ottar, the son of Bjorn Easterling, who took land in Broad-firth. Einar was brother of Osvif the seer. Einar at an early age was tall and strong, and most doughty. He began to compose poetry when quite young, and was eager for learning. One summer at the Thing Einar went to the booth of Egil Skallagrimsson, and they began to talk, and soon their talk took this turn that they spoke of poetry. In this converse both of them found pleasure. After this Einar often went to talk with Egil, and a great friendship was struck up between them.

Einar had not long returned to Iceland from foreign travel. Egil asked Einar much of tidings from the east, and about his friends, and withal about those that he deemed his enemies. He asked also much about men of rank. Einar in turn asked Egil about the events that had happened in his travels, and about his exploits. This talk pleased Egil, and was kept up briskly. Einar asked Egil on what occasion his prowess had been most hardly tried; this he begged him to say. Egil then sang:

      'One with eight I battled,
      Eleven faced I twice,
      Made for wolf a meal,
      Myself the bane of all.
      Shields shook by sword-strokes
      Smitten fast and furious;
      Angry fire forth-flashing
      Flew my ashen spear.'

Egil and Einar pledged them to friendship on parting. Einar was long abroad from Iceland with men of rank. Einar was open-handed, and often short of money, but noble-hearted and manly. He was in the body-guard of earl Hacon Sigurd's son. At that time there was in Norway much war, the battles between earl Hacon and Eric's sons; and now one, now the other, was driven from the land. King Harold, Eric's son, fell south in Denmark, at Hals in Lima-firth; this was by treachery. He was then fighting with Harold Knut's son, who was called Gold-Harold, and earl Hacon was there. There fell also with king Harold lord Arinbjorn, of whom much has already been told. And when Egil heard of the fall of Arinbjorn, then he sang:

      'Mead-givers, glorious men,
      Gold-spending warrior wights
      Are spent and gone. Where seek
      Such lavish donors now?
      Erewhile, beyond the sea,
      Earth's islet-studded belt,
      Such on my high hawk-perch
      Hailed down the silver shower.'

Einar Helgi's son the poet was nicknamed Skala-glam. He composed a poem about earl Hacon, which is called 'Dearth of Gold'; and for a long time the earl would not hear the poem because he was wroth with Einar. Then Einar sang:

      'Song made I on a chief
      Supreme o'er land enthroned;
      While others slept, I wrought,
      Whereof I much repent.
      Hither the earl to seek
      Eager I came, nor thought
      From brave free-handed prince
      Far-comers worse would fare.'

And further he sang:

      'Seek we that earl whose sword
      Spreads banquet for the wolf:
      To Sigvald's ship well-oared,
      Shield-fenced, my sword I lend.
      Wielder of wound-snake, he
      Will not my succour scorn:
      I to his sea-borne barque
      My buckler now will bear.'

The earl did not wish Einar to go away; so he granted a hearing to the poem, and thereafter gave Einar a shield, which was a most costly work. It was inscribed with old tales; and between the writing were overlaid spangles of gold with precious stones set therein. Einar went to Iceland and lodged with his brother Osvif: but in autumn he rode east and came to Borg, and was guest there. Egil was just then not at home, having gone to the northern part of the district, but was expected home. Einar waited for him three nights: longer than three nights it was not the custom to stay on a friendly visit. Then Einar made him ready to go; but when ready he went to Egil's place in the hall, and there he hung up that precious shield, and told the house-carles that he left it a gift for Egil. Then he rode away.

But on that same day Egil came home. And when he came in to his place, then he saw the shield, and asked whose was that costly work. It was told him that Einar Skala-glam had come there, and had left the shield as a gift for him. Then said Egil: 'The wretched man, to give it! He means that I should bide awake and compose poetry about his shield. Now, bring my horse. I must ride after him and slay him.' He was told that Einar had ridden away early in the morning. 'He will,' they said, 'by this be come westwards to the dales.' Soon after Egil composed a poem, whereof this is the beginning:

      'Of shield, the ship's bright guard,
      To show the praise ''tis time,
      Home to my hand is given
      The treasure-sender's gift.
      Sure hath Skala-glam
      To skilful guidance lent
      (Speak, ye who list my lay)
      The reins of minstrel lore.'

Egil and Einar remained friends so long as they both lived. But about the shield's fortune at last this is told, that Egil took it with him to the wedding when he went north to Broadmoor with Thorkettle Gunnvald's son and Red-Bjorn's sons Trefill and Helgi. There the shield was spoilt by falling into a tub of sour whey. After this Egil had the outer ornaments taken off: and there were twelve ounces of gold in the spangles.

 



78. kafli - Egill kveðr Sonatorrek ok Arinbjarnarkviðu.

Óláfr hét maðr, sonr Höskulds Dala-Kollssonar ok sonr Melkorku, dóttur Mýrkjartans írakonungs. Óláfr bjó í Hjarðarholti í Laxárdal vestr í Breiðafjarðardölum. Óláfr var stórauðigr at fé. Hann var þeira manna fríðastr sýnum, er þá váru á íslandi. Hann var skörungr mikill.

Óláfr bað Þorgerðar, dóttur Egils. Þorgerðr var væn kona ok kvenna mest, vitr ok heldr skapstór, en hversdagliga kyrrlát. Egill kunni öll deili á Óláfi ok vissi, at þat gjaforð var göfugt, ok fyrir því var Þorgerðr gift Óláfi. Fór hon til bús með honum í Hjarðarholt. Þeira börn váru þau Kjartan, Þorbergr, Halldórr, Steindórr, Þuríðr, Þorbjörg, Bergþóra. Hana átti Þórhallr goði Oddason. Þorbjörgu átti fyrr Ásgeirr Knattarson, en síðar Vermundr Þorgrímsson. Þuríði átti Guðmundr Sölmundarson. Váru þeira synir Hallr ok Víga-Barði.

Özurr Eyvindarson, bróðir Þórodds í Ölfusi, fekk Beru, dóttur Egils.

Böðvarr, sonr Egils, var þá frumvaxti. Hann var inn efniligsti maðr, fríðr sýnum, mikill ok sterkr, svá sem verit hafði Egill eða Þórólfr á hans aldri. Egill unni honum mikit. Var Böðvarr ok elskr at honum.

Þat var eitt sumar, at skip var í Hvítá, ok var þar mikil kaupstefna. Hafði Egill þar keypt við margan ok lét flytja heim á skipi. Fóru húskarlar ok höfðu skip áttært, er Egill átti. Þat var þá eitt sinn, at Böðvarr beiddist at fara með þeim, ok þeir veittu honum þat. Fór hann þá inn á Völlu með húskörlum. Þeir váru sex saman á áttæru skipi. Ok er þeir skyldu út fara, þá var flæðrin síð dags, ok er þeir urðu hennar at bíða, þá fóru þeir um kveldit síð. Þá hljóp á útsynningr steinóði, en þar gekk í móti útfallsstraumr. Gerði þá stórt á firðinum, sem þar kann oft verða. Lauk þar svá, at skipit kafði undir þeim, ok týndust þeir allir. En eftir um daginn skaut upp líkunum. Kom lík Böðvars inn í Einarsnes, en sum kómu fyrir sunnan fjörðinn, ok rak þangat skipit. Fannst þat inn við Reykjarhamar.

Þann dag spurði Egill þessi tíðendi, ok þegar reið hann at leita líkanna. Hann fann rétt lík Böðvars. Tók hann þat upp ok setti í kné sér ok reið með út í Digranes til haugs Skalla-Gríms. Hann lét þá opna hauginn ok lagði Böðvar þar niðr hjá Skalla-Grími. Var síðan aftr lokinn haugrinn, ok var eigi fyrr lokit en um dagsetrsskeið. Eftir þat reið Egill heim til Borgar, ok er hann kom heim, þá gekk hann þegar til lokrekkju þeirar, er hann var vanr at sofa í. Hann lagðist niðr ok skaut fyrir loku. Engi þorði at krefja hann máls.

En svá er sagt, þá er þeir settu Böðvar niðr, at Egill var búinn: Hosan var strengð fast at beini. Hann hafði fustanskyrtil rauðan, þröngvan upphlutinn ok láz at síðu. En þat er sögn manna, at hann þrútnaði svá, at kyrtillinn rifnaði af honum ok svá hosurnar.

En eftir um daginn lét Egill ekki upp lokrekkjuna. Hann hafði þá ok engan mat né drykk. Lá hann þar þann dag ok nóttina eftir. Engi maðr þorði at mæla við hann.

En inn þriðja morgin, þegar er lýsti, þá lét Ásgerðr skjóta hesti undir mann, - reið sá sem ákafligast vestr í Hjarðarholt -, ok lét segja Þorgerði þessi tíðendi öll saman, ok var þat um nónskeið, er hann kom þar. Hann sagði ok þat með, at Ásgerðr hafði sent henni orð at koma sem fyrst suðr til Borgar. Þorgerðr lét þegar söðla sér hest, ok fylgðu henni tveir menn. Riðu þau um kveldit ok nóttina, til þess er þau kómu til Borgar. Gekk Þorgerðr þegar inn í eldahús. Ásgerðr heilsaði henni ok spurði, hvárt þau hefði náttverð etit.

Þorgerðr segir hátt: "Engan hefi ek náttverð haft, ok engan mun ek fyrr en at Freyju. Kann ek mér eigi betri ráð en faðir minn. Vil ek ekki lifa eftir föður minn ok bróður."

Hon gekk at lokhvílunni ok kallaði: "Faðir, lúk upp hurðinni, vil ek, at vit farim eina leið bæði."

Egill spretti frá lokunni. Gekk Þorgerðr upp í hvílugólfit ok lét loku fyrir hurðina. Lagðist hon niðr í aðra rekkju, er þar var.

Þá mælti Egill: "Vel gerðir þú, dóttir, er þú vill fylgja feðr þínum. Mikla ást hefir þú sýnt við mik. Hver ván er, at ek muna lifa vilja við harm þenna?"

Síðan þögðu þau um hríð. Þá mælti Egill: "Hvat er nú, dóttir, tyggr þú nú nökkut?"

"Tygg ek söl," segir hon, "því at ek ætla, at mér muni þá verra en áðr. Ætla ek ella, at ek muna of lengi lifa."

"Er þat illt manni?" segir Egill.

"Allillt" segir hon, "villtu eta?"

"Hvat mun varða?" segir hann.

En stundu síðar kallaði hon ok bað gefa sér drekka. Síðan var henni gefit vatn at drekka.

Þá mælti Egill: "Slíkt gerir at, er sölin etr, þyrstir æ þess at meir."

"Villtu drekka, faðir?" segir hon.

Hann tók við ok svalg stórum, ok var þat í dýrshorni.

Þá mælti Þorgerðr: "Nú erum vit vélt. Þetta er mjólk."

Þá beit Egill skarð ór horninu, allt þat er tennr tóku, ok kastaði horninu síðan.

Þá mælti Þorgerðr: "Hvat skulum vit nú til ráðs taka? Lokit er nú þessi ætlan. Nú vilda ek, faðir, at við lengðim líf okkart, svá at þú mættir yrkja erfikvæði eftir Böðvar, en ek mun rísta á kefli, en síðan deyjum vit, ef okkr sýnist. Seint ætla ek Þorstein, son þinn, yrkja kvæðit eftir Böðvar, en þat hlýðir eigi, at hann sé eigi erfðr, því at eigi ætla ek okkr sitja at drykkjunni þeiri, at hann er erfðr."

Egill segir, at þat var þá óvænt, at hann myndi þá yrkja mega, þótt hann leitaði við, - "en freista má ek þess," segir hann.

Egill hafði þá átt son, er Gunnarr hét, ok hafði sá ok andazt litlu áðr. Ok er þetta upphaf kvæðis:

      1.

      Mjök erum tregt
      tungu at hræra
      eða loftvætt
      ljóðpundara.
      Esa nú vænligt
      of Viðurs þýfi
      né hógdrægt
      ór hugarfylgsni.

      2.

      Esa auðþeystr,
      þvít ekki veldr
      höfugligr,
      ór hyggju stað
      fagnafundr
      Friggjar niðja,
      ár borinn
      ór Jötunheimum,

      3.

      lastalauss
      es lifnaði
      á Nökkvers
      nökkva bragi.
      Jötuns hals
      undir þjóta
      Náins niðr
      fyr naustdurum.

      4.

      Þvít ætt mín
      á enda stendr,
      hræbarnir
      sem hlynir marka.
      Esa karskr maðr
      sás köggla berr
      frænda hrörs
      af fletjum niðr.

      5.

      Þó munk mitt
      ok móður hrör
      föður fall
      fyrst of telja.
      Þat berk út
      ór orðhofi
      mærðar timbr
      máli laufgat.

      6.

      Grimmt vörum hlið,
      þats hrönn of braut
      föður míns
      á frændgarði.
      Veitk ófullt
      ok opit standa
      sonar skarð,
      es mér sær of vann.

      7.

      Mjök hefr Rán
      ryskt um mik.
      Emk ofsnauðr
      at ástvinum.
      Sleit marr bönd
      minnar ættar,
      snaran þátt
      af sjölfum mér.

      8.

      Veizt, ef þá sök
      sverði of rækak,
      vas ölsmiðr
      allra tíma.
      Hroða vágs bræðr,
      ef vega mættak,
      fórk andvígr
      ok Ægis mani.

      9.

      En ek ekki
      eiga þóttumk sakar afl
      við sonar bana,
      þvít alþjóð
      fyr augum verðr
      gamals þegns
      gengileysi.

      10.

      Mik hefr marr
      miklu ræntan.
      Grimmt es fall
      frænda at telja,
      síðan's minn
      á munvega
      ættar skjöldr
      aflífi hvarf.

      11.

      Veitk þat sjalfr,
      at í syni mínum
      vasa ills þegns
      efni vaxit,
      ef sá randviðr
      röskvask næði,
      unz her-Gauts
      hendr of tæki.

      12.

      Æ lét flest
      þats faðir mælti,
      þótt öll þjóð
      annat segði.
      Mér upp helt
      of herbergi
      ok mitt afl
      mest of studdi.

      13.

      Oft kemr mér
      mána bjarnar
      í byrvind
      bræðraleysi.
      Hyggjumk um,
      es hildr þróask,
      nýsumk hins
      ok hygg at því,

      14.

      hverr mér hugaðr
      á hlið standi
      annarr þegn
      við óðræði.
      Þarfk þess oft
      of þvergörum.
      Verðk varfleygr,
      es vinir þverra.

      15.

      Mjök es torfyndr,
      sás trúa knegum
      of alþjóð
      Elgjar galga,
      þvít niflgóðr
      niðja steypir
      bróður hrör
      við baugum selr.

      a.

      Finn ek þat oft,
      es féar beiðir -- -- --

      16.

      Þat's auk mælt,
      at engi geti
      sonar iðgjöld,
      nema sjalfr ali
      enn þann nið,
      es öðrum sé
      borinn maðr
      í bróður stað.

      17.

      Erumka þekkt
      þjóða sinni,
      þótt sér hverr
      sátt of haldi.
      Burr's Bileygs
      í bæ kominn,
      kvánar sonr,
      kynnis leita.

      18.

      En mér fens
      í föstum þokk
      hrosta hilmir
      á hendi stendr.
      Mákak upp
      jörðu grímu,
      rýnnis-reið,
      réttri halda,

      19.

      síz son minn
      sóttar brími
      heiftugligr
      ór heimi nam,
      þanns ek veit
      at varnaði
      vamma varr
      við vámæli.

      20.

      Þat mank enn,
      es upp of hóf
      í goðheim
      Gauta spjalli
      ættar ask,
      þanns óx af mér,
      ok kynvið
      kvánar minnar.

      21.

      Áttak gótt
      við geirs dróttin.
      Gerðumk tryggr
      at trúa hánum,
      áðr vinan
      vagna rúni,
      sigrhöfundr,
      of sleit við mik.

      22.

      Blætka því
      bróður Vílis,
      goðjaðar,
      at gjarn séak.
      Þó hefr Míms vinr
      mér of fengnar
      bölva bætr,
      ef et betra telk.

      23.

      Göfumk íþrótt
      ulfs of bági
      vígi vanr
      vammi firrða
      ok þat geð,
      es ek gerða mér
      vísa fjandr
      af vélöndum.

      24.

      Nú erum torvelt.
      Tveggja bága
      njörva nift
      á nesi stendr.
      Skalk þó glaðr
      með góðan vilja
      ok óhryggr
      heljar bíða.

Egill tók at hressast, svá sem fram leið at yrkja kvæðit, ok er lokit var kvæðinu, þá færði hann þat Ásgerði ok Þorgerði ok hjónum sínum. Reis hann þá upp ór rekkju ok settist í öndvegi. Kvæði þetta kallaði hann Sonatorrek. Síðan lét Egill erfa sonu sína eftir fornri siðvenju. En er Þorgerðr fór heim, þá leiddi Egill hana með gjöfum í brott.

Egill bjó at Borg langa ævi ok varð maðr gamall, en ekki er getit, at hann ætti málaferli við menn hér á landi. Ekki er ok sagt frá hólmgöngum hans eða vígaferlum, síðan er hann staðfestist hér á Íslandi.

Svá segja menn, at Egill færi ekki í brott af Íslandi, síðan er þetta var tíðenda, er nú var áðr frá sagt, ok bar þat mest til þess, at Egill mátti ekki vera í Nóregi af þeim sökum, sem fyrr var frá sagt, at konungar þóttust eiga við hann. Bú hafði hann rausnarsamligt, því at fé skorti eigi. Hann hafði ok gott skaplyndi til þess.

Hákon konungr Aðalsteinsfóstri réð fyrir Nóregi langa stund, en inn efra hluta ævi hans þá kómu synir Eiríks til Nóregs ok deildu til ríkis í Nóregi við Hákon konung, ok áttu þeir orrostu saman, ok hafði Hákon jafnan sigr. Ina síðustu orrostu áttu þeir á Hörðalandi í Storð á Fitjum. Þar fekk Hákon konungr sigr ok þar með banasár. Eftir þat tóku þeir konungdóm í Nóregi Eiríkssynir.

Arinbjörn hersir var með Haraldi Eiríkssyni ok gerðist ráðgjafi hans ok hafði af honum veizlur stórliga miklar. Var hann forstjóri fyrir liði ok landvörn. Arinbjörn var hermaðr mikill ok sigrsæll. Hann hafði at veizlum Fjarðafylki.

Egill Skalla-Grímsson spurði þessi tíðendi, at konungaskipti var orðit í Nóregi, ok þat með, at Arinbjörn var þá kominn í Nóreg til búa sinna ok hann var þá í virðing mikilli. Þá orti Egill kvæði um Arinbjörn, ok er þetta upphaf at:

      1.

      Emk hraðkvæðr
      hilmi at mæra,
      en glapmáll
      of glöggvinga,
      opinspjallr
      of jöfurs dáðum,
      en þagmælskr
      of þjóðlygi,

      2.

      skaupi gnægðr
      skrökberöndum,
      emk vilkvæðr
      of vini mína.
      Sótt hefk mörg
      mildinga sjöt
      með grunlaust
      grepps of æði.

      3.

      Hafðak endr
      Ynglings burar,
      ríks konungs,
      reiði fengna.
      Drók djarfhött
      of dökkva skör,
      létk hersi
      heim of sóttan,

      4.

      þars allvaldr
      und ýgs hjalmi,
      ljóðfrömuðr,
      at landi sat.
      Stýrði konungr
      við stirðan hug
      í Jórvík
      úrgum ströndum.

      5.

      Vasa þat tunglskin
      tryggt at líta
      né ógnlaust
      Eiríks bráa,
      þás ormfránn
      ennimáni
      skein allvalds
      ægigeislum.

      6.

      Þó bólstrverð
      of bera þorðak
      maka hæings
      markar dróttni,
      svát Yggs full
      ýranda kom
      at hvers manns
      hlusta munnum.

      7.

      Né hamfagrt
      hölðum þótti
      skaldfé mitt
      at skata húsum,
      þás ulfgrátt
      við Yggjar miði
      hattar staup
      at hilmi þák.

      8.

      Við því tók,
      en tvau fylgðu
      sökk sámleit
      síðra brúna
      ok sá muðr,
      es mína bar
      höfuðlausn
      fyr hilmis kné.

      9.

      Þars tannfjölð
      með tungu þák
      ok hlertjöld
      hlustum göfguð,
      en sú gjöf
      golli betri
      hróðugs konungs
      of heitin vas.

      10.

      Þar stóð mér
      mörgum betri
      hoddfíöndum
      á hlið aðra
      tryggr vinr minn,
      sás trúa knáttak,
      heiðþróaðr
      hverju ráði,

      11.

      Arinbjörn,
      es oss einn of hóf,
      knía fremstr,
      frá konungs fjónum,
      vinr þjóðans,
      es vættki ló
      í herskás
      hilmis garði.

      12.

      Ok -- -- --
      -- -- stuðli lét
      margfrömuðr
      minna dáða,
      sem en -- -- að --
      -- -- Halfdanar
      at í væri
      ættar skaði.

      13.

      Munk vinþjófr
      verða heitinn
      ok váljúgr
      at Viðurs fulli,
      hróðrs örverðr
      ok heitrofi,
      nema þess gagns
      gjöld of vinnak.

      14.

      Nú's þat sét,
      hvars setja skal
      bratt stiginn
      bragar fótum
      fyr mannfjölð,
      margra sjónir,
      hróðr máttigs
      hersa kundar.

      15.

      Erum auðskæf
      ómunlokri
      magar Þóris
      mærðar efni,
      vinar míns,
      þvít valið liggja
      tvenn ok þrenn
      á tungu mér.

      16.

      Þat telk fyrst,
      es flestr of veit
      ok alþjóð
      eyru sækir,
      hvé mildgeðr
      mönnum þótti
      bjóða björn
      birkis ótta.

      17.

      Þat allsheri
      at undri gefsk,
      hvé hann urþjóð
      auði gnægir,
      en grjót-björn
      of gæddan hefr
      Freyr ok Njörðr
      at féar afli.

      18.

      En Hróalds
      at höfuðbaðmi
      auðs iðgnótt
      at ölnum sifjar,
      sér vinreið
      af vegum öllum
      á vindkers
      víðum botni.

      19.

      Hann drógseil
      of eiga gat
      sem hildingr
      heyrnar spanna,
      goðum ávarðr
      með gumna fjölð,
      vinr véþorms,
      veklinga tös.

      20.

      Þat hann viðr,
      es þrjóta mun
      flesta menn,
      þótt fé eigi.
      Kveðka skammt
      meðal skata húsa
      né auðskeft
      almanna spjör.

      21.

      Gekk maðr engi
      at Arinbjarnar
      ór legvers
      löngum knerri
      háði leiddr
      né heiftkviðum
      með atgeirs
      auðar toftir.

      22.

      Hinn's fégrimmr,
      es í Fjörðum býr.
      Sá's of dolgr
      Draupnis niðja,
      en sökunautr
      Sónar hvinna,
      hringum hættr,
      hoddvegandi.

      23.

      Hann aldrteig
      of eiga gat
      fjölsáinn
      með friðar spjöllum
      -- -- -- --

      24.

      Þat's órétt,
      ef orpit hefr
      á máskeið
      mörgu gagni,
      ramriðin
      Rökkva stoði,
      vellvönuðr,
      þvís veitti mér.

      25.

      Vask árvakr,
      bark orð saman
      með málþjóns
      morginverkum.
      Hlóðk lofköst,
      þanns lengi stendr
      óbrotgjarn
      í bragar túni.

Einarr hét maðr. Hann var sonr Helga Óttarssonar, Bjarnarsonar ins austræna, er nam lönd í Breiðafirði. Einarr var bróðir Ósvífrs ins spaka. Einarr var þegar á unga aldri mikill ok sterkr ok inn mesti atgervimaðr. Hann tók at yrkja, þegar er hann var ungr, ok var maðr námgjarn.

Þat var eitt sumar á alþingi, at Einarr gekk til búðar Egils Skalla-Grímssonar, ok tókust þeir at orðum, ok kom þar brátt talinu, at þeir ræddu um skáldskap. Þótti hvárumtveggja þær ræður skemmtiligar.

Síðan vanðist Einarr oftliga at ganga til tals við Egil. Gerðist þar vinátta mikil. Einarr hafði litlu áðr komit út ór för. Egill spurði Einar mjök austan tíðenda ok at vinum sínum, svá ok at þeim, er hann þóttist vita, at óvinir hans váru. Hann spurði ok mjök eftir stórmenni. Einarr spurði ok í móti Egil at þeim tíðendum, er fyrr höfðu gerzt um ferðir Egils ok stórvirki hans, en þat tal þótti Agli gott, ok rættist af vel. Einarr spurði Egil, hvar hann hefði þess verit staddr, at hann hafði mest reynt sik, ok bað hann þat segja sér. Egill kvað:

      Börðumk einn við átta,
      en við ellifu tysvar.
      Svá fengum val vargi.
      Varðk einn bani þeira.
      Skiptumsk hart af heiftum
      hlífar skelfiknífum.
      Létk af ermar aski
      eld valbasta kastat.

Þeir Egill ok Einarr mæltu til vináttu með sér at skilnaði. Einarr var löngum útanlendis með tígnum mönnum. Einarr var örr maðr ok oftast félítill, en skörungr mikill ok drengr góðr. Hann var hirðmaðr Hákonar jarls Sigurðarsonar.

Í þann tíma var í Nóregi ófriðr mikill ok bardagar með þeim Hákoni jarli ok Eiríkssonum, ok stukku ýmsir ór landi. Haraldr konungr Eiríksson fell suðr í Danmörk at Hálsi í Limafirði, ok var hann svikinn. Þá barðist hann við Harald Knútsson, er kallaðr var Gull-Haraldr, ok þá Hákon jarl.

Þar fell ok þá með Haraldi konungi Arinbjörn hersir, er fyrr var frá sagt. Ok er Egill spurði fall Arinbjarnar, þá kvað hann:

      Þverra nú, þeirs þverrðu,
      þingbirtingar Ingva,
      hvar skalk manna mildra,
      mjaðveitar dag, leita,
      þeira's hauks fyr handan
      háfjöll digulsnjávi
      jarðar gjörð við orðum
      eyneglda mér hegldu.

Einarr Helgason skáld var kallaðr skálaglamm. Hann orti drápu um Hákon jarl, er kölluð er Vellekla, ok var þat mjök lengi, at jarlinn vildi eigi hlýða kvæðinu, því at hann var reiðr Einari. Þá kvað Einarr:

      Gerðak veig um virða
      vörð, þanns sitr at jörðu,
      iðrumk þess, meðan aðrir,
      Örr Váfaðar, sváfu.
      Hykk, at hodda stökkvi,
      hinig sóttak gram, þótti,
      fýsinn, fræknum vísa,
      ferri, skald in verra.

Ok enn kvað hann:

      Sækjum jarl, þanns auka
      ulfs verð þorir sverðum.
      Skipum borðróinn barða
      baugskjöldum Sigvalda.
      Drepr eigi sá sveigir
      sárlinns, es gram finnum,
      rönd berum út á andra
      Endils, við mér hendi.

Jarlinn vildi eigi, at Einarr færi á brott, ok hlýddi þá kvæðinu, ok síðan gaf hann Einari skjöld, ok var hann in mesta gersemi. Hann var skrifaðr fornsögum, en allt milli skriftanna váru lagðar yfir spengr af gulli, ok settr steinum. Einarr fór til íslands ok til vistar með Ósvífi, bróður sínum.

En um haustit reið Einarr vestan ok kom til Borgar ok gisti þar. Egill var þá eigi heima, ok var hann farinn norðr til heraða, ok var hans þá heim ván. Einarr beið hans þrjár nætr, en þat var engi siðr at sitja lengr en þrjár nætr at kynni. Bjóst Einarr þá í brott, ok er hann var búinn, þá gekk hann til rúms Egils ok festi þar upp skjöldinn þann inn dýra ok sagði heimamönnum, at hann gaf Agli skjöldinn.

Síðan reið Einarr í brott, en þann sama dag kom Egill heim. En er hann kom inn til rúms síns, þá sá hann skjöldinn ok spurði, hverr gersemi þá ætti. Honum var sagt, at Einarr skálaglamm hafði þar komit ok hann hafði gefit honum skjöldinn.

Þá mælti Egill: "Gefi hann allra manna armastr! Ætlar hann, at ek skyla þar vaka yfir ok yrkja um skjöld hans? Nú taki hest minn. Skal ek ríða eftir honum ok drepa hann."

Honum var þá sagt, at Einarr hafði riðit snemma um morgininn. "Mun hann nú kominn vestr til Dala."

Síðan orti Egill drápu, ok er þetta upphaf at:

      Mál es lofs at lýsa
      ljósgarð, es þák, barða,
      mér kom heim at hendi
      hoddsendis boð, enda.
      Skalat at grundar Gylfa
      glaums misfengnir taumar,
      hlýðið ér til orða,
      erðgróins mér verða.

Egill ok Einarr heldu vináttu sinni, meðan þeir lifðu báðir. En svá er sagt, at færi skjöldrinn um síðir, at Egill hafði hann með sér í brúðför þá, er hann fór norðr á Víðimýri með Þorkatli Gunnvaldssyni ok þeir Rauða-Bjarnarsynir, Trefill ok Helgi. Þá var spillt skildinum ok kastat í sýruker. En síðan lét Egill taka af búnaðinn, ok váru tólf aurar gulls í spöngunum.

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