Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 3.djvu/177

 KINGS OF NORWAY. 165 To this he replied, " No." " Dost thou think thou art held in less esteem by me than thou wouldst like to be?" To this he also replied, " No." " Hast thou observed any thing whatever that has made an impression on thee at Avhich thou art ill pleased?" He replied, it was not this either. The king : " It is difficult now to guess. Is there any girl here, or in any other country, to whom thy affections are engaged ?" He said it was so. The king said, " Do not be melancholy on that ac- count. Go to Iceland when springs sets in, and I shall give thee money, and presents, and with these my letters and seal to the men who have the principal sway there ; and I know no man there who will not obey my persuasions or threats." Ivar replied, " My fate is heavier, sire ; for my own brother has the girl." Then said the king, '' Throw it out of thy mind; and I know a counsel against this. After Yule I will travel in guest-quarters. Thou shalt come along with me, and thou wilt have an opportunity of seeing many beautiful girls ; and, provided they are not of the royal stock, I will get thee one of them in marriage." Ivar replies, " Sire, my fate is still the heavier; for as oft as I see beautiful and excellent girls I only remember the more that girl, and they increase my misery." The king : " Then I will give thee property to ma- nage, and estates for thy amusement." He replied, " For that I have no desire." The king : " Then I will give thee money, that thou mayst travel in other countries." He said he did not wish this. Then said the king, '' It is difficult for me to seek M 3 SAGA XII.