The earl did not wish Einar to go away; so he granted a hearing to the poem,
and thereafter gave Einar a shield, which was a most costly work.
It was inscribed with old tales; and between the writing were overlaid
spangles of gold with precious stones set therein.
Einar went to Iceland and lodged with his brother Osvif:
but in autumn he rode east and came to Borg, and was guest there.
Egil was just then not at home, having gone to the northern part of the district,
but was expected home. Einar waited for him three nights:
longer than three nights it was not the custom to stay on a friendly visit.
Then Einar made him ready to go;
but when ready he went to Egil's place in the hall,
and there he hung up that precious shield,
and told the house-carles that he left it a gift for Egil.
Then he rode away.

But on that same day Egil came home.
And when he came in to his place,
then he saw the shield,
and asked whose was that costly work.
It was told him that Einar Skala-glam had come there,
and had left the shield as a gift for him.
Then said Egil:
'The wretched man, to give it!
He means that I should bide awake
and compose poetry about his shield.
Now, bring my horse.
I must ride after him and slay him.'
He was told that Einar had ridden away
early in the morning.
'He will,' they said,
'by this be come westwards to the dales.'
Soon after Egil composed a poem,
whereof this is the beginning: