'To all who taste of it shall immortality be given. But only to that one who shall drink of it first shall it be permitted to walk at Odin's right hand forever.'
"Then the company passed through in great haste, all fired with a desire to be the first to drink of the fountain and win so marvellous a boon. Last of all came Ving. He had lingered behind to pluck a thorn from the foot of a beggar child he had met on the highway, and he had not heard the Warder's words. But when, eager, joyous, radiant, he set his foot on the rainbow, the stern, sorrowful Warder took him by the arm and drew him back.
"'Ving, strong, noble, and valiant,' he said, 'Rainbow Bridge is not for thee.'
"Very dark grew Ving's face. Hot rebellion rose in his heart and rushed over his pale lips.
"'Why dost thou keep back the draught of immortality from me?' he demanded passionately.
"The Warder pointed to the dark flood that rolled under the bridge.
"'The path of the rainbow is not for thee,' he said, 'but yonder way is open. Ford that flood. On the further bank is the fountain of life.'
"'Thou mockest me,' muttered Ving sullenly. 'No mortal could cross that flood. Oh, Master,' he prayed, turning beseechingly to Odin, 'thou didst promise to me eternal life as to the others. Wilt thou not keep that promise? Command the Warder to let me pass. He must obey thee.'
315
