Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 2.djvu/10

 goat that was the largest, led him forth, and put the king's saddle on him, and then went in and told King Sigurd he had saddled his riding horse. Now when King Sigurd came out and saw what Olaf had done, he said, "It is easy to see that thou wilt little regard my orders; and thy mother will think it right that I order thee to do nothing that is against thy own inclination. I see well enough that we are of different dispositions, and that thou art far more proud than I am." Olaf answered little, but went his way laughing.

When Olaf Haraldsson grew up he was not tall, but middle-sized in height, although very thick, and of good strength. He had light brown hair, and a broad face which was white and red. He had particularly fine eyes which were beautiful and piercing, so that one was afraid to look him in the face when he was angry. Olaf was very expert in all bodily exercises, understood well to handle his bow, and was distinguished particularly in throwing his spear by hand: he was a great swimmer, and very handy, and very exact and knowing in all kinds of smithwork, whether he himself or others made the thing. He was distinct and acute in conversation, and was soon perfect in understanding and strength. He was beloved by his friends and acquaintances, eager in his amusements, and one who always liked to be the first, as it was suitable he should be from his birth and dignity. He was called Olaf the Thick.

Olaf Haraldsson was twelve years old when he, for the first time, went on board a ship of war. His mother Aasta got Rane, who was called the foster-father of kings, to command a ship of war and take Olaf under his charge; for Rane had often been on war expeditions. When Olaf in this way got a ship and men, the crew gave him the title of king; for it was the custom that those commanders of troops who were of kingly descent, on going out upon a