The mother and maiden, weeping, departed.
And during these years Halfred spoke hardly to any, save Hartvik and Eigil, and to them only when he must.
And he was very kind to everyone, above all to those below him.
And often in the night the sailors heard him sigh, and turn himself upon the straw bed upon the deck, where always, even in the cold winter, he lay under the stars.
And they heard him often speak when there was no one at hand with whom he could talk.
And at table he rested his head upon his left hand, and kept his eyes cast downwards, or looked into the far far distance.
And he almost never complained, only he often shook his head gently, and pressed very very often his left hand upon his breast, and said many times--
"The fresh air of heaven shuns me. I cannot breathe. If I will breathe I must sigh. My heart is almost crushed."
And Hartvik and Eigil said one to the other--"He is ill."
And once, when they sailed to Greece, Hartvik secretly called a physician--they are very skilful there--and the physician watched Halfred many days and nights, and said--
"It is a heavy malady under which this poor man suffers.
"And many have already quietly died of it, or sunk into madness.
And the Singing Swan sailed again into the western seas, in the late spring and early summer, at the time which the Latins call "Mensus Madius."
And because of the long voyage the provisions were exhausted, and the ship also needed rest and repairing.
And Halfred's blood brethren said to him, when they came into the waters of the island of Hibernia--
"Both men and stores need caring for: we will land at King Thorul's sea castle, and provide all that we need on board. Far famed is King Thorul's hall; there they have great skill on the harp. Come with us to the city; rejoice thy heart in human fellowship, for there thou cans't not, as heretofore, lie upon the ship. Even to the Singing Swan will many people come, workmen and traders, and thou wouldst not be alone under thy stars. Shall we not steer for the green island?"
And Halfred nodded, and Hartvik joyfully turned the helm sharp to the west.
When, however, they saw the towers of Thorul's hall rise from the waves in the morning light, Halfred, with his own hand, lowered the smaller boat, which lay fastened on the deck near the helm, and said--