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“One song from my heart would I send her
Ere we shall, ere I leave her and lose her,
That dainty one, decked in her jewels
Who dwells in the valley of Swindale.
And each word that I utter shall enter
The ears of that lady of bounty,
Saying--Bright one, my beauty, I love thee,
Ah, better by far than my life!”
So Cormac went abroad and his brother Thorgils went with him; and when
they came to the king's court they were made welcome.
Now it is told that Steingerd spoke to Thorvald the Tinker that they
also should abroad together. He answered that it was mere folly, but
nevertheless he could not deny her. So they set off on their voyage: and
as they made their way across the sea, they were attacked by vikings who
fell on them to rob them and to carry away Steingerd. But it so happened
that Cormac heard of it; and he made after them and gave good help, so
that they saved everything that belonged to them, and came safely at
last to the court of the king of Norway.
One day Cormac was walking in the street, and spied Steingerd sitting
within doors. So he went into the house and sat down beside her, and
they had a talk together which ended in his kissing her four kisses. But
Thorvald was on the watch. He drew his sword, but the women-folk rushed
in to part them, and word was sent to King Harald. He said they were
very troublesome people to keep in order.--“But let me settle this
matter between you,” said he; and they agreed.
Then spake the king:--“One kiss shall be atoned for by this, that Cormac
helped you to get safely to land. The next kiss is Cormac's, because he
saved Steingerd. For the other two he shall pay two ounces of gold.”