"Oft that war-god came to hall
Frighted, when no blood did fall,
In the dusk; who ever cried
On the bear last autumn-tide;
No man saw me sitting there
Late at eve before the lair;
Yet the shaggy one to-day
From his den I drew away."
"Sure enough," said Biorn, "thou hast fared forth well to-day, and
two tales thou tellest of us twain therefor; and well I know that thou
hast had a good hit at me."
Thorkel said, "I would, Grettir, that thou wouldst not avenge thee on
Biorn, but for him I will give a full man-gild if thereby ye may be
friends."
Biorn said he might well turn his money to better account, than to
boot for this; "And, methinks it is wisest that in my dealings with
Grettir <i>one oak should have what from the other it shaves</i>."
Grettir said that he should like that very well. But Thorkel said,
"Yet I hope, Grettir, that thou wilt do this for my sake, not to do
aught against Biorn while ye are with me."
"That shall be," said Grettir.
Biorn said he would walk fearless of Grettir wheresoever they might
meet.
Grettir smiled mockingly, but would not take boot for Biorn. So they
were here that winter through.