Bard bade him drink and stop that jeering.
Egil drained every cup that came to him,
drinking for Aulvir likewise.
Then Bard went to the queen and told her
there was a man there
who put shame on them, for,
howsoever much he drank,
he still said he was thirsty.
The queen and Bard then mixed the drink
with poison, and bare it in.
Bard consecrated the cup,
then gave it to the ale-maid.
She carried it to Egil,
and bade him drink.
Egil then drew his knife and
pricked the palm of his hand.
He took the horn,
scratched runes thereon,
and smeared blood in them.
He sang:

'Write we runes around the horn,
Redden all the spell with blood;
Wise words choose I for the cup
Wrought from branching horn of beast.
Drink we then, as drink we will,
Draught that cheerful bearer brings,
Learn that health abides in ale,
Holy ale that Bard hath bless'd.'