"More likely because Christian means Saxon to them, or else because you have slain them as heathens. Northmen do not trouble about another nation's faith so long as their own is not interfered with. Why should they? Each country has its own ways in this as in other matters."
Thereat Neot was silent, and asked me no more. Hereafter I learned that hatred of race had made the hatred of religion bitter, until the last seemed to be the greatest hatred of all, adding terror and bitterest cruelty to the struggle for mastery.
Presently, before it was very late, Neot rose up and spoke to Odda, bidding him farewell. Then he came to me, and said:
"Tell the king that we have spoken together, and give him this message if you will that I go to my place in Cornwall, and shall be there for a while."
Then he passed to Thord, and took his hard hand and said:
"Good are words that come from an honest heart. I have learned a lesson tonight where I thought to have learned none."
"I marvel that you needed to learn that," Thord said gruffly.
"So do I, friend," answered Neot; "but one is apt to go too far in a matter which one has at heart, sometimes before one is aware. Then is a word in season welcome."
Then he thanked Harek for his songs, and went, the Saxons bowing as he passed down the long table with Odda.
"That is a wise man and a holy," said Thord.