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DIVINATION. . 291
formvdas (fraeSi) of that ceremony, and who are
called VarSlokur, i. e., the Watch-guard ; but none
could be found who knew it, although inquiry was
made at all the neighboring houses. Then Gu5ri5,
a young girl who was present, said, 'I am not
skilled in magic nor any wise woman; but my
foster-mother in Iceland taught me a formula, which
she called Var81okur.' Thorkel said, 'Thou art
wiser than I thought.' Gu8ri5 answered, 'This
formula and the proceedings connected with it are
of such a character that I cannot be present to assist
with them ; for I am a Christian.' Thorkel replied,
' Thou couldst help us in this matter without harm-
ing thyself thereby; I should be glad to furnish
Thorbjorg with whatever is necessary.' He then
persuaded Gu5ri5 so long that she at length
promised to fulfill his wishes. Now Thorbjorg sat
upon the witch-seat (seiShjallr)^ and the women
formed a circle around her. Gu8ri5 sang the song
so beautifully and so well, that no one of the by-
standers thought they had ever heard a fairer song.
Even the Spae-wife thought the song was beautifal
to hear; and thanked her for it when it was done.
'E'ow,' says Thorbjorg, 'I have reflected on the
matter, how it will be both with the sickness and
with the seasons ; and much has now been made
clear to me that before was hidden from me and
from others.' She then foretold that the famine
and sickness which were raging, should both disap-
pear in the spring. To Gu5ri8 she prophesied, in
return for the services she had rendered, a very
happy fate in the future, and also tltat a renowned