University of Virginia Library


184

CHAPTER LXXVII. GRETTIR AT THE HOMESTEAD OF REEKS.

[Songs extracted from the prose narrative.]


185

[“Stay a little, foolish one!]

[Grettir.]
“Stay a little, foolish one!
When the shield-shower is all done,
With the conquered carles and lords,
Men bide not to measure swords:
Many a man had there been glad,
Lesser war-gear to have had,
With a heart more void of fear;
Such I am not, sweet and dear.”

[“Sweet amender of the seam]

[Grettir.]
“Sweet amender of the seam,
Weak and worn thou dost me deem:
O light-handed dear delight,
Certes thou must say aright.
Weak I am, and certainly
Long in white arms must I lie:
Hast thou heart to leave me then,
Fair-limbed gladdener of great men?”