hat this had been Rolf's custom when he handed forth a sword to
his soldiers. For in old time those who were about to put themselves in
dependence on the king used to promise fealty by touching the hilt of
the sword. And in this wise Wigg clasped the hilt, and then drove the
point through Hiartuar; thus gaining the vengeance which he had promised
Rolf to accomplish for him. When he had done this, and the soldiers
of Hiartuar rushed at him, he exposed his body to them eagerly and
exultantly, shouting that he felt more joy in the slaughter of the
tyrant than bitterness at his own. Thus the feast was turned into
a funeral, and the wailing of burial followed the joy of victory.
Glorious, ever memorable hero, who valiantly kept his vow, and
voluntarily courted death, staining with blood by his service the tables
of the despot! For the lively valour of his spirit feared not the hands
of the slaughterers, when he had once beheld the place where Rolf had
been wont to live bespattered with the blood of his slayer. Thus the
royalty of Hiartuar was won and ended on the same day. For whatsoever
is gotten with guile melts away in like fashion as it is sought, and no
fruits are long-lasting that have been won by treachery and crime.
Hence it came to pass that the Swedes, who had a little before been the
possessors of Denmark, came to lose even their own liberty. For they
were straightway cut off by the Zealanders, and paid righteous atonement
to the injured shades of Rolf. In this way does stern fortune commonly
avenge the works of craft and cunning.

BOOK THREE.

After Hiartuar, HOTHER, whom I mentioned above, the brother of Athisl,
and also the fosterling of King Gewar, became sovereign of both realms.
It will be easier to relate his times if I begin with the beginning
of his life. For if the earlier years of his career are not doomed to
silence, the latter ones can be more fully and fairly narrated.

When Helgi had slain Hodbrodd, his son Hother passed the length of his
boyhood under the tutelage of King Gewar. While a stripling, he excelled
in strength of body all his foster-brethren and compeers. Moreover, he
was gifted with many accomplishments of mind. He was very skilled in
swimming and archery, and also with the gloves; and further was as
nimble as such a youth could be, his training being equal to his
strength. Though his years were unripe, his richly-dowered spirit
surpassed them. None was more skilful on lyre or har