Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 2.djvu/272

 264 CHRONICLE OF THE saga vii. country; and he had to thank the queen that he pre- served life and limbs. Chapter Thorer, a son of Olver of Egge, a stepson of Kalf T,ws V * Arneson, and a sister's son of Thorer Hund, was a death. remarkably handsome man, stout and strong. He was at this time eighteen years old ; had made a good marriage in Hedemark, by which he got great wealth ; and was besides one of the most popular of men, and formed to be a chief. He invited the king and his retinue home to him to a feast. The king accepted the invitation, went to Thorer's, and was well received. The entertainment was very splendid ; they were ex- cellently treated, and all that was set before the guests was of the best that could be got. The king and his people talked among themselves of the excellence of every thing, and knew not what they should admire the most, — whether Thorer's house outside, or the inside furniture, the table service or the liquors, or the host who gave them such a feast. But Dag said little about it. The king used often to speak to Dag, and ask him about various things ; and he had proved the truth of all that Dag had said, both of things that had happened or were to happen, and therefore the king had much confidence in what he said. The king called Dag to him to have a private conversation together, and spoke to him about many things. Afterwards the king turned the conversation on Thorer, — what an excellent man Thorer was, and what a superb feast he had made for them. Dag answered but little to this, but agreed it was true what the king said. The king then asked Dag what disposition or faith he found in Thorer. Dag replied that he must certainly consider Thorer of a good dis- position, if he be really what most people believe him to be. The king told him to answer direct what he was asked, and said that it was his duty to do so. Dag replies, " Then thou must allow me to determine