"He has ever shown himself haughty and domineering, but we have come to no quarrel." "At any rate he wants to kill you," Siegbert said.

"I did my best to prevent it, pointing out that the combat ought to take place between a Frank and a Dane.

However, the Northmen are always glad to see a good fight, and having satisfied themselves that in point of age and strength you were not unfairly matched, they decided that the conflict should take place.

He is taller, and I think somewhat stronger than you, and has proved himself a valiant fighter, and I would give much if the combat could be avoided." "I fear him not," Edmund said quietly, "though I would fain that this could be avoided.

Had I met Sweyn upon a battle-field in England I would have slain him as a natural enemy; but to fight him in cold blood, either as a matter of augury or to furnish amusement for the assembly, likes me not.