Page:Readings in European History Vol 1.djvu/189

 The Disruption of Charlemagne s Empire 153 judgments were thought lawful unless he had a hand in them. He had an only daughter named Unna. She was a fair, courteous, and gifted woman, and was thought the best match in all the Rangrivervales. Now the story turns westward to the Broadfirth dales, where, at Hauskuldstede, in Laxriverdale, dwelt a man named Hauskuld, who was Dalakoll's son, and his mother's name was Thorgerda. He had a brother named Hrut, who dwelt at Hrutstede ; he was of the same mother as Hauskuld, but his father's name was Heriolf. Hrut was handsome, tall and strong, well skilled in arms, and mild of temper; he was one of the wisest of men stern towards his foes, but a good counselor on great matters. It happened once that Hauskuld bade his friends to a feast, and his brother Hrut was there, and sat next him. Hauskuld had a daughter named Hallgerda, who was play- ing on the floor with some other girls. She was fair of face and tall of growth, and her hair was as soft as silk ; it was so long, too, that it came down to her waist. Hauskuld called out to her, " Come hither to me, daughter." So she went up to him, and he took her by the chin, and kissed her ; and after that she went away. Then Hauskuld said to Hrut, "What dost thou think of this maiden ? Is she not fair ? " Hrut held his peace. Hauskuld said the same thing to him a second time, and then Hrut answered, " Fair enough is this maid, and many will smart for it, but this I know not, whence thief's eyes have come into our race." Then Hauskuld was wroth, and for a time the brothers saw little of each other. [Gunnar, who is one of the chief personages in the story, Gunnar has been on a successful sea-roving expedition, during which ^ ar he has shown much prowess and won much booty. Before returning home he visits Denmark, where the fame of his deeds has preceded him. He is summoned to the court of King Harold, Gorm's son, who offers to get him a wife and to raise him to great power if he will settle down there.] Gunnar thanked the king for his offer and said, " I will first of all sail back to Iceland to see my friends and kinsfolk."