Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 2).djvu/281

 I best like it; for it gives my men no less praise than myself.

The King is honoured when his men are praised.

Take as guerdon this arm-ring, stay with me, and be of my household; I will have many skalds about me.

'Twill need many, my lord, if all your great deeds are to be sung.

I will be threefold more bountiful than Håkon; the skald's song shall be honoured and rewarded like all other noble deeds, so long as I am king. Be seated; now you belong to my household; all you have need of shall be freely given you.

[Seats himself.] Ere long there will be a dearth of what I most need, my lord.

What mean you?

Foes to King Skule, whose flight and fall I can sing.

[Amid laughter and applause.] Well said, Icelander!

[To ] The song was good; but 'tis