Of the Death of Asmund the Grey haired.


Now must the tale be taken up where it was left before, for Thorbiorn
Oxmain heard how Thorbiorn Tardy was slain, as aforesaid, and broke
out into great wrath, and said it would please him well that now
this and now that should have strokes in his garth.

Asmund the Greyhaired lay long sick that summer, and when he thought
his ailings drew closer on him, he called to him his kin, and said
that it was his will, that Atli should have charge of all his goods
after his day.

"But my mind misgives me," said Asmund, "that thou mayst scarce sit
quiet because of the iniquity of men, and I would that all ye of my
kin should help him to the uttermost but of Grettir nought can I say,
for methinks overmuch on a whirling wheel his life turns; and though
he be a mighty man, yet I fear me that he will have to heed his own
troubles more than the helping of his kin: but Illugi, though he
be young, yet shall he become a man of prowess, if he keep himself
whole."

So, when Asmund had settled matters about his sons as he would, his
sickness lay hard on him, and in a little while he died, and was laid
in earth at Biarg; for there had he let make a church; but his death
his neighbours deemed a great loss.

Now Atli became a mighty bonder, and had many with him, and was a
great gatherer of household-stuff. When the summer was far gone, he