Page:The Early Kings of Norway.djvu/193

 OLAF, MAGNUS, AND SIGURD. 183 he had not himself professed to be so swift a runner as to keep up with the Prince's horses ; but only that there were men in Ireland who could. Magnus was positive ; and, early next morning, Gylle had to be on the ground ; and the race, naturally under heavy bet, actually went off. Gylle started parallel to Magnus's stirrup ; ran like a very roe, and was clearly ahead at the goal. " Unfair," said Magnus ; " thou must have had hold of my stirrup-leather, and helped thyself along; we must try it again." Gylle ran behind the horse this second time ; then at the end, sprang forward ; and again was fairly in ahead. " not by fair running was this possible ; we must try a third time ! " Gylle started ahead of Magnus and his horse, this third time ; kept ahead with increasing distance, Magnus galloping his very best ; and reached the goal more palpably foremost than ever. So that Magnus had to pay his bet, and other damage and humiliation. And got from his father, who heard of it soon afterwards, scof&ng rebuke as a silly fellow, who did not know the worth of men but only the clothes and rank of them, and well deserved what he
 * 'Thou must have held by the tail," said Magnus;