We, his retainers, were commanded to assemble in the castle-yard, armed with sharp spears, which were to be hurled at the defenceless strangers at the first signal made to us.

For the first, and I trust the last time in my life, I said 'No' to the commands of my lord; and that I said in a loud voice, and with the heartiest determination.

The Almighty, who alone knows whom He will accept and whom He will reject, armed me with resolution and strength.

And Biorn might perceive whence the refusal of his faithful old servant arose, and that it was worthy of respect.

He said to me, half in anger and half in scorn: 'Go up to my wife's apartments; her attendants are running to and fro, perhaps she is ill.