"I really
do not see the good of going on with this pilgrimage."
"Cheer up!" cried the virtuous person. "Great is the right, and
shall prevail!"
"If you are quite sure it will prevail," says the priest.
"I pledge my word for that," said the virtuous person.
So the other began to go on again with a better heart.
At last one came running, and told them all was lost: that the
powers of darkness had besieged the Heavenly Mansions, that Odin
was to die, and evil triumph.
"I have been grossly deceived," cried the virtuous person.
"All is lost now," said the priest.
"I wonder if it is too late to make it up with the devil?" said the
virtuous person.
"Oh, I hope not," said the priest. "And at any rate we can but
try. But what are you doing with your axe?" says he to the rover.
"I am off to die with Odin," said the rover.
XVIII. - THE TOUCHSTONE.
THE King was a man that stood well before the world; his smile was
sweet as clover, but his soul withinsides was as little as a pea.
He had two sons; and the younger son was a boy after his heart, but
the elder was one whom he feared. It befell one morning that the
drum sounded in the dun before it was yet day; and the King rode
with his two sons, and a brave array behind them. They rode two
hours, and came to the foot of a brown mountain that was very
steep.
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