Britons and Celts
Death and then Dishonor
“All marvelled that this great king, who had conquered so much, and won so many cities, and so many castles, could not call so much land his own as his body might lie within after death.” […]
Honor
Uncategorized
To Humble the Great and Mighty
“The third annoyance was this, that free license was given, upon that day of triumph, to utter the most galling reproaches, and the most cutting sarcasms, against the victor while enjoying his triumph.” […]
Uncategorized
Rare Persuasive Power
“For while all other young men of that time used to sue in marriage with their own lips, this man was afflicted with so faulty an utterance that he was ashamed to be heard not only by strangers, but by those of his own house.” […]
Human Affairs
Unn the Deep-Minded
“Thereupon she rose to her feet and said that she was now retiring to her bed-chamber; she urged them all to enjoy themselves in whatever way each thought best, and ordered ale to be served to the whole company. It is said that Unn was tall and stoutly-built. She walked briskly down the length of the hall, and those present remarked on how stately she still was.” […]
Eastern Europe
Honor Thy Daughter-in-Law
“The Derevlians, on the other hand, existed in bestial fashion, and lived like cattle. They killed one another, ate every impure thing, and there was no marriage among them, but instead they seized upon maidens by capture.” […]
History
Prester John and the Golden King
“It happened one day that the Golden King went out for his sport with only a handful of followers, and among them were these seven traitors. When they had crossed a river about a mile distant from the place, and left their companions on the farther bank, the seven henchmen, seeing that the kind had no one to protect him, resolved to carry out the purpose for which they had come.” […]
Viking
Hostage Negotiations Gone Bad
. Ibn Sam’un therefore broke off negotiations. The Rus put off their massacre, hoping to get at least this small amount. When it was not forthcoming, they put them to the sword, and slew them to the last man.” […]
Human Affairs
A Viking Romance In Miniature
“Thvari married her, and she sat on the bridal bench with a helmet and chainmail, but they loved each other dearly. Thvari left off plundering and settled down, and they had two sons.” […]
Britons and Celts
Torn Between Love and Duty
“While Scotland weeps, weeps out her dearest blood,
And floats to ruin down the crimson flood.
Th’ important now, decides her future state;
And see! The scales are hung to weigh her fate.” […]
Viking
Laughing in the Face of Death
” I never saw, by heaven, a braver man; he collapsed half-conscious and leaning on his elbow welcomed his fate with a smile, laughed death to scorn, as he passed on to the other world exultant.” […]