IV
THEN VIKING went to the holm, accompanied by the king and his courtiers. Thither came Harek, too, and asked who was appointed to fight with him.
Viking stepped forward and said: I am the man.
Whereto Harek made reply: I suppose it will be an easy matter to strike you to the ground, for I know it will be the end of you if I smite you with my fist.
But I suppose, answered Viking, that you consider it no trifling matter to fight with me, since you tremble at the very sight of me.
Harek replies: Not so, and I must save your life, since you go willingly into the open jaws of death; and do you smite first, according to the laws of holm-gang, for I am the challenger in this duel; but, in the meantime, I shall stand perfectly still, for I am not afraid of any danger.
At this time Viking d
