"It was this: I thought that I was in some place where water
gleamed beneath me, while overhead passed the tread of many feet
with music of pipe and tabor as at a bridal. And I cannot tell what
that place was. Then came to me the hand of this Lodbrok, and he,
looking very sad and downcast, led me thence into the forest land
and set me over against a great gate. And beyond that gate shone
glorious light, and I heard the sound of voices singing in such
wise that I knew it was naught but the gate of Heaven itself, and I
would fain go therein. But between me and the gate sped arrows
thick as hail, so that to reach it I must needs pass through them.
Then said Jarl Lodbrok, 'Here is the entry, and it is so hard to
win through because of me, yet not by my fault. But I think you
will not turn aside for arrows, and when you come therein I pray
you to remember me.' Then pressed I to the gate, unheeding of the
arrow storm. And lo! the gate was an oak tree, tall and strong, yet
beyond it was the light and the singing that I had reached. Then
faded the face of Lodbrok, and after me looked sadly many faces,
and one was yours, my son, and the nearest. So I woke."

"That is a wondrous dream," I said, not knowing what to make
thereof, having no skill in reading these matters.

"Aye, my son," answered Eadmund; "nor can I read it; though I think
I shall do so hereafter. Nevertheless it comes into my mind that
the dream warns me that my time is short. Lie down again, my son.
Let us sleep in peace while we may."

After that the king slept peacefully as a little child till full
daylight came; but I for very sadness closed not my eyes again, for
I thought that our king was fey {vi}.