19.

’Monarch, at thy will

Judge my minstrel skill:

Silence thus to find

Sweetly cheered my mind.

Moved my mouth with word

From my heart’s ground stirred,

Draught of Odin’s wave

Due to warrior brave.

20.

’Silence I have broken,

A sovereign’s glory spoken:

Words I knew well-fitting

Warrior-council sitting.

Praise from heart I bring,

Praise to honoured king:

Plain I sang and clear

Song that all could hear.’

Chapter 64 - Egil’s life is given him.
King Eric sate upright while Egil recited the poem, and looked keenly at him. And when the song of
praise was ended, then spake the king: ’Right well was the poem recited; and now, Arinbjorn, I have
resolved about the cause between me and Egil, how it shall go. Thou hast pleaded Egil’s cause with
great eagerness, since thou offerest to risk a conflict with me. Now shall I for thy sake do what thou
hast asked, letting Egil go from my land safe and unhurt. But thou, Egil, so order thy going that, after
leaving my presence and this hall, thou never come before my eyes, nor my sons’ eyes, nor be ever in
the way of myself or my people. But I give thee now thy head this time for this reason, that thou
camest freely into my power. I will do no dastardly deed on thee; yet know thou this for sure, that this
is no reconciliation with me or my sons or any of our kin who wish to wreak their vengeance.’