Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 2.djvu/121

 KINGS OF NORWAY. 113 They went on farther that evening, and came to a saga vn. fourth bonder, who was considered the most hos- pitable man in the country ; but he drove them away also. Then Sigvat sang — " Then on I went to seek night's rest From one who was said to be the best, The kindest host in the land around, And there I hoped to have quarters found. But, faith, 'twas little use to try ; For not so much as raise an eye Would this huge wielder of the spade: If he's the best, it must be said Bad is the best, and the scald's praise Cannot be given to churls like these. 1 almost wished that Aasta's son In the Eyda forest had been one, When we, his men, were even put Lodging to crave in a heathen's hut. I knew not where the earl to find: Four times driven off by men unkind, I wandered now the whole night o'er, Driven like a dog from door to door." Now when they came to Earl Rognvald's the earl said they must have had a severe journey. Then Sigvat sang — " The message-bearers of the king From Norway came his words to bring; And truly for their master they Hard work have done before to-day. We did not loiter on the road, But on we pushed for thy abode: Thy folk, in sooth, were not so kind That we cared much to lag behind. But Eida forest safe we found, From robbers free to the eastern bound: This praise to thee, great earl, is due — The scald says only what is true." Earl Rognvald gave Sigvat a gold arm-ring, and a woman said " he had not made the journey with his black eyes for nothing." Sigvat sang — et My coal-black eyes Dost thou despise ? They have lighted me Across the sea To gain this golden prize: VOL. II. I