uld be for him to accept of as
high a dignity from the king as he himself could desire, rather than to
attempt raising a strife against the king to whom he was owing service
and duty. He said if he came out of the conflict without victory, he
forfeited life and property: "And even if thou hast the victory,
thou wilt still be called a traitor to thy sovereign." Earl Orm also
supported Fin's speech. After Hakon had reflected upon this he disclosed
what lay on his mind, and said, "I will be reconciled with King Harald
if he will give me in marriage his relation Ragnhild, King Magnus
Olafson's daughter, with such dower as is suitable to her and she will
be content with." Fin said he would agree to this on the king's part;
and thus it was settled among them. Fin then returned to Throndhjem, and
the disturbance and enmity was quashed, so that the king could retain
his kingdom in peace at home; and the league was broken which Eindride's
relations had made among themselves for opposing King Harald.

49. OF THE COURTSHIP OF HAKON IVARSON.

When the day arrived for the meeting at which this agreement with Harald
should be finally concluded, Hakon went to King Harald; and in their
conference the king said that he, for his part, would adhere to all that
was settled in their agreement. "Thou Hakon," says he, "must thyself
settle that which concerns Ragnhild, as to her accepting thee in
marriage; for it would not be advisable for thee, or for any one, to
marry Ragnhild without her consent." Then Hakon went to Ragnhild, and
paid his addresses to her. She answered him thus: "I have often to feel
that my father, King Magnus, is dead and gone from me, since I must
marry a bonde; although I acknowledge thou art a handsome man, expert in
all exercises. But if King Magnus had lived he would not have married
me to any man less than a king; so it is not to be expected that I will
take a man who has no dignity or title." Then Hakon went to King Harald
and told him his conversation with Ragnhild, and also repeated the
agreement which was made between him and Fin, who was with him, together
with many others of the persons who had been present at the conversation
between him and Fin. Hakon takes them all to witness that such was the
agreement that the king should give Ragnhild the dower she might desire.
"And now since she will have no man who has not a high dignity, thou
must give me such a title of honour; and, according to the opinion of