Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 2.djvu/185

 KINGS OF NORWAY. 177 to the law of the land, which commands that the man saga vn. who kills a servant of the king must undertake his service, if the king will. Now I will that thou shalt undertake the office of bailiff which Thorer Sel had, and manage my estate here in Augvaldsness." Asbiorn replies, that it should be according to the king's will ; " but I must first go home to my farm, and put things in order there." The king was satisfied with this, and proceeded to another guest-quarter. Asbiorn made himself ready with his comrades, who all kept themselves concealed in a quiet creek during the time Asbiorn was away from them. They had had their spies out to learn how it went with him, and would not depart without having some certain news of him. Asbiorn then set out on his voyage, and about Chapter spring got home to his farm. After this exploit he of Thorer was always called Asbiorn Selsbane.* Asbiorn had Hundand J ., Asbiorn not been long at home before he and his relation Seisbane. Thorer met and conversed together, and Thorer asked Asbiorn particularly all about his journey, and about all the circumstances which had happened in the course of it. Asbiorn told every thing as it had taken place. Then said Thorer, " Thou thinkest that thou hast well rubbed out the disgrace of having been plundered in last harvest." " I think so," replies Asbiorn; " and what is thy opinion, cousin ? " " That I will soon tell thee," said Thorer. " Thy first expedition to the south of the country was in- deed very disgraceful, and that disgrace has been redeemed ; but this expedition is both a disgrace to thee and to thy family, if it end in thy becoming the king's slave, and being put on a footing with that worst of men, Thorer Sel. Show that thou art manly VOL. II. N
 * The bane or destroyer of Thorer Sel.