Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 3.djvu/117

 KINGS OF NORWAY. 105 X. SAGA OF OLAF KYRRE.* SAGA X. Olaf remained sole king of Norway after the death Chapter of his brother King Magnus. Olaf was a stout man, oiafs well 2:rown in limbs ; and every one said a handsomer personal o ^ *i appearance. man could not be seen, nor of a nobler appearance. His hair was yellow as silk, and became him well ; his skin was white and fine over all his body ; his eyes beautiful, and his limbs well proportioned. He was rather silent in general, and did not speak much even at Things ; but he was merry in drinking parties. He loved drinking much, and was talkative enough then ; but quite peaceful. He was cheerful in con- versation, peacefully inclined during all his reign, and loving gentleness and moderation in all things. Stein Herdisarson speaks thus of him : — '' Our Drontheim king is brave and wise. His love of peace our bonders prize; By friendly word and ready hand He holds good peace through every land. He is for all a lucky star; England he frightens from a war; The stiff-necked Danes he drives to peace; Troubles by his good influence cease." It was the fashion in Norway in old times for the king's high seat to be on the middle of a long bench, and the ale was handed across the firef ; but King "I" We may understand the arrangement by supposing the fire in the middle of the room, the smoke escaping by a hole in the roof, and a long bench on each side of the fire ; one bench occupied by the high seat of the king and great guests, the other by the rest of the guests ; and the cup handed across the fire, which appears to have had a religious meaning previous to the introduction of Christianity. Chapter II. Of King Olaf's manner of living.
 * Olaf Kyrre, or the Quiet, reigned from about IO69 to 1093.