Editiones Arnamagnæanæ. Series A - 01.06.1997, Blaðsíða 374
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world and worker of miracles, and ended with a warning about bliss and tor-
ment after death. Nobles present said there was much truth in it.
Ch. 10. The earl angrily ordered Mírmann to leave and said if he returned
he would give him a mount such as the worst thief had to have. Mírmann said
if he returned he would smash the gods. The earl hewed at him, but his arm-
our saved him, and he struck the earl a mortal blow, seized Ýlfingr, went out
and rode away. His followers regretted his lack of patience, and he blamed his
father, but he understood his crime. There was grief in Saxland at this event.
Ch. 11. Hlöðvir consoled Mírmann when he returned. Bæringr invaded
Frakkland, to avenge Hermann. When the armies met, the king refused to
hand Mírmann over. The latter accepted a challenge to single combat the next
day. The king was despondent, but Mírmann set no store by his life. After
hearing masses in the morning, Mírmann refused Bæringr’s offer of honour in
his land if he reverted to worship of Maúmet, and taunted the earl. They
fought. Mírmann sang a verse of a psalm. His spear broke, but he killed
Bæringr with the sword Ýlfingr and took possession of his outstanding horse
Marmori. The heathens fled and many were killed. Mírmann’s grief was les-
sened, as he saw that God was willing to accept his service in spite of his sin.
Ch.12. Hlöðvir made Mírmann an earl and gave him one-third of the king-
dom. Messengers brought Mírmann a letter from his mother asking him to vi-
sit her and saying she would accept Christianity and leave with him if the
Saxons would not also accept it. He went to her and was well received by her.
He saw through an attempt by her to delay his retum. She renewed her pro-
mises to him, and showed him the possessions they were to take away with
them. Finally she led him to the wine-house. There a servant of hers from Un-
garaland gave him a drink on her instructions which she said was good for
health. He made the sign of the cross before his eyes and drank, and at once
felt harmful effect from it, and reproached his mother. She said he deserved it
for killing her husband and leaving her, and she was glad Katrín would have
little joy at the sight of him, and went out. As Mírmann journeyed home, his
skin swelled and blackened with leprosy, but his eyes always remained un-
harmed.
Ch.13. The king was very upset at what had happened. He sent for the best
doctors, but Mírmann’s illness got worse. The queen said he should not have
so sick a man sitting so near him, but the king rebuked her for her changed at-
titude towards Mírmann. Mírmann heard what they said.