e on himself the third share of the fight, and the
preparation. Indeed, I have already seen one who will, I think, be the
very man for your fellowship, but it will be some time before he comes
to me. He is wandering now without an aim. I will show him to you in a
glass, and, when he comes, you will know him at once. If he will share
your endeavours, you must teach him all you know, and he will repay you
well, in present song, and in future deeds.'

"She opened the door of a curious old cabinet that stood in the room.
On the inside of this door was an oval convex mirror. Looking in it for
some time, we at length saw reflected the place where we stood, and the
old dame seated in her chair. Our forms were not reflected. But at the
feet of the dame lay a young man, yourself, weeping.

"'Surely this youth will not serve our ends,' said I, 'for he weeps.'

"The old woman smiled. 'Past tears are present strength,' said she.

"'Oh!' said my brother, 'I saw you weep once over an eagle you shot.'

"'That was because it was so like you, brother,' I replied; 'but indeed,
this youth may have better cause for tears than that--I was wrong.'

"'Wait a while,' said the woman; 'if I mistake not, he will make you
weep till your tears are dry for ever. Tears are the only cure for
weeping. And you may have need of the cure, before you go forth to fight
the giants. You must wait for him, in your tower, till he comes.'

"Now if you will join us, we will soon teach you to make your armour;
and we will fight together, and work together, and love each other as
never three loved before. And you will sing to us, will you not?"

"That I will, when I can," I answered; "but it is only at times that the
power of song comes upon me. For that I must wait; but I have a feeling
that if I work well, song will not be far off to enliven the labour."

This was all the compact made: the brothers required nothing more, and
I did not think of giving anything more. I rose, and threw off my upper
garments.

"I know the uses of the sword," I said. "I am ashamed of my white hands
beside yours so nobly soiled and hard; but that shame will soon be wiped
away."

"No, no; we will not work to-day. Rest is as needful as toil. Bring the
wine, brother; it is your turn to serve to-day."

The younger brother soon covered a table with rough viands, but good
wine; and we ate and drank heartily, beside our work. Before the meal
was over, I had learned all their story