Before I left, my father's heart softened much towards me, for he remembered that I was my mother's best beloved, and feared also lest we should meet no more.

So much did it soften indeed, that at the last hour he changed his mind and wished to hold me back from going.

But having put my hand to the plough and suffered all the bitterness of farewell, I would not return to be mocked by my brother and my neighbours.

'You speak too late, father,' I said.

'You desired me to go to work this vengeance and stirred me to it with many bitter words, and now I would go if I knew that I must die within a week, for such oaths cannot be lightly broken, and till mine is fulfilled the curse rests on me.' 'So be it, son,' he answered with a sigh.