Said Air, "Give such choice as this to those who deem it good, but not thus will I give up what I have; let each of us go his own way."
And therewithal he rode forth past Grettir and spurred his horse.
"Nay, we part not so hastily," said Grettir, and laid hold of the reins of Air's horse in front of his hands, and held on with both hands.
Said Air, "Go thy ways, nought thou hast of me if I may hold mine own."
"That will now be proven," said Grettir.
Now Air stretched his hands down the head-gear and laid hold of the reins betwixt Grettir's hands and the snaffle-rings and dragged at them so hard that Grettir's hands were[160] drawn down along the reins, till Air dragged all the bridle from him.
Grettir looked into the hollow of his hands, and saw that this man must have strength in claws rather than not, and he looked after him, and said, "Whither art thou minded to fare?"
Air answered and sang—
"To the Kettle's side
Now will I ride,