Moreover, it is
spread far and wide throughout the land that my daughter is to be wed to
Thorvald's son, and it matters little to which son. At least, I will not
have it said that she has been given the go-by. Therefore, let this Olaf
take her, if she will have him. Only," he added with a growl, "let him
play no tricks like that red-headed cub, his brother Ragnar, if he would
not taste of a spear through his liver. Now I go to learn Iduna's mind."

So he went; as did my father and mother, leaving me alone, thinking and
thanking the gods for the chance that had come my way--yes, and blessing
Ragnar and that brown-eyed wench who had thrown her spell over him.

Whilst I stood thus I heard a sound, and, turning, saw Iduna gliding
towards me in the blue twilight, looking more lovely than a dream. At my
side she stopped and said:

"My father tells me you wish to speak with me," and she laughed a little
softly and held me with her beautiful eyes.

After that I know not what happened till I saw Iduna bending towards
me like a willow in the wind, and then--oh, joy of joys!--felt her kiss
upon my lips. Now my speech was unsealed, and I told her the tale that
lovers have always told. How that I was ready to die for her (to which
she answered that she had rather that I lived, since ghosts were no good
husbands); how that I was not worthy of her (to which she answered that
I was young, with all my time before me, and might live to be greater
than I thought, as she believed I should); and so forth.

Only one more thing comes back to me of that blissful hour. Foolishly I
said what I had been thinking, namely, that I blessed Ragnar. At these
words, of a sudden Iduna's face grew stern and the lovelight in her eyes
was changed to such as gleams from swords.

"I do not bless Ragnar," she answered. "I hope one day to see
Ragnar----" and she checked herself, adding: "Come, let us enter, Olaf.
I hear my father calling me to mix his sleeping-cup."

So we went into the house hand in hand, and when they saw us coming
thus, all gathered there burst into shouts of laughter after their rude
fashion. Moreover, beakers were thrust into our hands, and we were made
to drink from them and swear some oath. Thus ended our betrothal.

I think it was on the next day that we sailed for home in my father's
largest ship of war, which was named the _Swan_. I went unwillingly
enough, who desired to drink more of the delight of Iduna's eyes. Still,
go I