Among these were Hlenni, Atyl, Thott, and Withne, the last of whom was a Dane by birth, though he held a government among the Sclavs.

Moreover, not trusting in their strength and their cunning to accomplish their deed, they bribed Starkad to join them.

He was prevailed to do the deed with the sword; he undertook the bloody work, and resolved to attack the king while at the bath.

In he went while the king was washing, but was straightway stricken by the keenness of his gaze and by the restless and quivering glare of his eyes.

His limbs were palsied with sudden dread; he paused, stepped back, and stayed his hand and his purpose.