shun churches, and Christian folk, and heathen men, houses and caves, and every home but the home of Hell.  Now shall we be at peace and of one mind each with the other, and of goodwill, whether we meet on fell or foreshore, ship or snow-shoes, earth or ice-mount, sea or swift steed, even as each found his friend on water, or his brother on broad ways; in just such peace one with other, as father with son, or son with father in all dealings together.  Now we lay hands together, each and all of us, to hold well this say of peace, and all words spoken in our settled troth:  As witness God and good men, and all those who hear my words, and nigh this stead chance to stand.”

CHAP.  LXXIV.

Of Grettir’s Wrestling:  and how Thorbiorn Angle now bought the more part of Drangey.

Then many fell to saying that many and great words had been spoken hereon; but now Guest said,

“Good is thy say and well hast thou spoken it; if ye spill not things hereafter, I shall not withhold that which I have to show forth.”

So he cast off his hood, and therewith all his outer clothes.

Then they gazed one on the other, and awe spread over their faces, for they deemed they knew surely that this was Grettir Asmundson, for that he was unlike other men for his growth and prowess’ sake:  and all stood silent, but Hafr deemed he had made himself a fool.  Now the men of the country-side fell into twos and twos together, and one upbraided the other, but him the most of all, who had given forth the words of peace.

Then said Grettir; “Make clear to me what ye have in your minds, because for no long time will I sit thus unclad; it is more your matter than mine, whether ye will hold the peace, or hold it not.”

They answered few words and then sat down:  and now the sons of Thord, and Halldor their brother-in-law, talked the matter over together; and some would hold the peace, and some not; so as they elbowed one another, and laid their heads together.  Grettir sang a stave—­

  “I, well known to men, have been
  On this morn both hid and seen;
  Double face my fortune wears,
  Evil now, now good it bears;
  Doubtful play-board have I shown
  Unto these men, who have grown
  Doubtful of their given word;
  Hafr’s big noise goes overboard.”

Then said Tongue-stein, “Thinkest thou that, Grettir?  Knowest thou then what the chiefs will make their minds up to? but true it is thou art a man above all others for thy great heart’s sake:  yea, but dost thou not see how they rub their noses one against the other?”

Then Grettir sang a stave—­

  “Raisers-up of roof of war,
  Nose to nose in counsel are;
  Wakeners of the shield-rain sit
  Wagging beard to talk of it: 
  Scatterers of the serpent’s bed
  Round about lay head to head. 
  For belike they heard my name;
  And must balance peace and shame.”