THE SONG OF THE SUN
9. Unnar and Sævaldi never imagined that happiness would fall from them, yet naked they became, and of all bereft, and, like wolves, ran to the forest.
10. The force of pleasure has many a one bewailed. Cares are often caused by women; pernicious they become, although the mighty God them pure created.
11. United were Svafud and Skarthedin, neither might without the other be, until to frenzy they were driven for a woman: she was destined for their perdition.
12. On account of that fair maid, neither of them cared for games or joyous days; no other thing could they in memory bear than that bright form.
13. Sad to them were the gloomy nights, no sweet sleep might they enjoy: but from that anguish rose hate intense between the faithful friends.
14. Hostile deeds are in most places fiercely avenged. To the holm they went,[1] for that fair woman, and each one found his death.
15. Arrogance should no one entertain: I indeed have seen that those who follow her, for the most part, turn from God.
16. Rich were both, Radey and Vebogi, and thought only of their well-being; now they sit and turn their sores to various hearths.
17. They in themselves confided, and thought themselves alone to be above all people; but their lot Almighty God was pleased otherwise to appoint.
18. A life of luxury they led, in many ways, and had
- ↑ That is, they engaged in single combat; the spot for such encounters being called a holm, consisting of a circular space marked out by stones.
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