They became as words of the wisdom of daily life, wrung from the lips of men forced to learn by hardness and defeat and loss; and then the words that Alfred had first sung were as those of one who knew more than Odin, and yet spoke of daily troubles and the wisdom that grows thereout.
But now the things that he sang must needs have come from wisdom beyond that of men--wisdom beyond thought of mine.

And if so it seemed to me, I know not how the heart of the scald, who was more thoughtful and knew more than I, was stirred.
He rose up when Alfred ceased, and walked away down the hillside slowly, as in a dream, not looking at us; and the kindly Saxons smiled gently, and said nothing to rouse him.
It is in my mind that Harek's eyes were wet, for he had lost somewhat--his belief in things he held dearest and first of all--and had as yet found nothing that should take its place.

There is nought harder than that to a man.
When he had passed out of hearing, I said: "Are there wiser things yet that you may sing ?" "Ay, and that you may learn, my son," answered Neot.

"Listen." Then he spoke words from Holy Writ that I know now--the words that speak of where wisdom may be found.

And he said thereafter, and truly, that it was not all.
Then I seemed to fear greatly.
"Not now, my king, not now," I said; "it is enough." Then those two spoke to me out of their kind hearts.