Page:History of the Literature of the Scandinavian North.djvu/91

Rh middle ages we may mention the, of which we possess fragments, one of which belongs to the oldest legal documents we have, the , given by Magnus Hakonson, and the , framed by Archbishop (1268-1283). This last named law was taken as a model for the younger ecclesiastical code of Iceland, and the powerful prelate of Throndhjem wanted it introduced into all Norway to replace the special church-laws in the same manner as the general civil code had replaced the district codes, a desire which was not fulfilled. Nor must we forget to mention one of the many legal works of Magnus Hakonson, his, or laws for the king's courtiers (hird), which was framed on the basis of old accepted customs.

A work that holds a peculiar place in Norway's old literature is the remarkable and unique book called (the King's Mirror), which belongs to the first half of the thirteenth century. In it a noble, talented man, who in learning was fully abreast with his age, has laid down his philosophy of life, and especially his views on government and morals, in the form of a dialogue between father and son. The book, which is written in an attractive and pleasing style, also contains rules for the acquirement of good manners. Thus it is a sort of precursor of the modern "good manner" works, and, on account of the picture it gives of olden mariners and fashions, it is of the greatest interest.