Page:Curious myths of the Middle Ages (1876).djvu/135

 in short, alive and well. The king tells him he has heard of his prowess, and is come to match his strength with him. So Geyti and the king try a swimming-match.

The king swims well; but Geyti swims better, and in the end gives the monarch such a ducking, that he is borne to his house devoid of sense and motion. Harald swallows his anger, as he had swallowed the water, and bids Geyti shoot a hazel nut from off his brother’s head. Aslak’s son consents, and invites the king into the forest to witness his dexterity. “On the string the shaft he laid, And God hath heard his prayer; He shot the little nut away, Nor hurt the lad a hair.” Next day the king sends for the skilful bowman: “List thee, Geyti, Aslak’s son, And truly tell to me, Wherefore hadst thou arrows twain In the wood yestreen with thee?” The bowman replies: “Therefore had I arrows twain Yestreen in the wood with me, Had I but hurt my brother dear, The other had pierced thee .”