my husband's praise! Say on; name that one of thy deeds which thou dost prize the highest.
Sigurd.
Well, since thou wilt have it so, so must it be. Let it be told, then, that I lay a-viking among the Orkneys; there came foemen against us, but we swept them from their ships, and I fought alone against eight men.
Hiördis.
Good was that deed; but wert thou fully armed?
Sigurd.
Fully armed, with axe, spear, and sword.
Hiördis.
Still the deed was good. Now must thou, my husband, name that which thou deemest the chief among thy exploits.
Gunnar.
[Unwillingly.] I slew two berserkers who had seized a merchant-ship; and thereupon I sent the captive chapmen home, giving them their ship freely, without ransom. The King of England deemed well of that deed; he said that I had done honourably, and gave me thanks and good gifts.
Hiördis.
Nay truly, Gunnar, a better deed than that couldst thou name.
Gunnar.
[Vehemently.] I will take praise for no other
