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 furthest 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 . ' `` But Odin stood silent , with his face turned from his beloved , and Ving 's heart was filled with unspeakable bitterness and despair . '' ` Thou mayest return to earth if thou fearest to essay the flood , ' said the Warder . '' ` Nay , ' said Ving wildly , ` earthly life without Alin is more dreadful than the death which awaits me in yon dark river . '
`` And he plunged fiercely XXXXX .
by for from in on over that under with without