Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 2.djvu/195

 KINGS OF NORWAY. 187 Iceland. He proceeded immediately to the Al-thing, saga vn. and came just as the people were upon the Law hillock, to which he repaired. When the cases of the people before the Thing had been determined according to law, Thorarin Nenolfsson took up the word as fol- lows: — "We parted four days ago from King Olaf Haraldsson, who sends God Almighty's and his own salutation to all the chiefs and principal men of the land ; as also to all the people in general, men and women, young and old, rich and poor. He also lets you know that he will be your sovereign if ye will become his subjects, so that he and you will be friends, assisting each other in all that is good." The people replied in a friendly way, that they would gladly be the king's friends, if he would be a friend of the people of their country. Then Thorarin again took up the word: — "This follows, in addition to the king's message, that he will in friendship desire of the people of the north district that they give him the island, or out-rock, which lies at the mouth of Ofiord, and is called Grimso Island, for which he will give you from his country whatever good the people of the district may desire. He sends this message particularly to Gudmund of Modrovold to support this matter, because he understands that Gudmund has most influence in that quarter." Gudmund replies, " My inclination is greatly for King Olaf's friendship, and that I consider much more useful than the out-rock he desires. But the king has not heard rightly if he think I have more power in this matter than any other, for the island is a common. We, however, who have the most use of the isle, will hold a meeting among ourselves about it." Then the people went to their tent-houses ; and the Northland people had a meeting among themselves, and talked over the business, and every one spoke