ne wall, on which
banks the spectators sit; but the games themselves are in the flat
plain. There are many sorts of old events represented concerning the
Asas, Volsungs, and Giukungs, in these games; and all the figures are
cast in copper, or metal, with so great art that they appear to be
living things; and to the people it appears as if they were really
present in the games. The games themselves are so artfully and cleverly
managed, that people appear to be riding in the air; and at them also
are used shot-fire (1), and all kinds of harp-playing, singing, and
music instruments.

ENDNOTES: (1) Fireworks, or the Greek fire, probably were used.--L.

13. SIGURD AND THE EMPEROR OF CONSTANTINOPLE.

It is related that King Sigurd one day was to give the emperor a feast,
and he ordered his men to provide sumptuously all that was necessary for
the entertainment; and when all things were provided which are suitable
for an entertainment given by a great personage to persons of high
dignity, King Sigurd ordered his men to go to the street in the city
where firewood was sold, as they would require a great quantity to
prepare the feast. They said the king need not be afraid of wanting
firewood, for every day many loads were brought into the town. When it
was necessary, however, to have firewood, it was found that it was all
sold, which they told the king. He replied, "Go and try if you can get
walnuts. They will answer as well as wood for fuel." They went and
got as many as they needed. Now came the emperor, and his grandees and
court, and sat down to table. All was very splendid; and King
Sigurd received the emperor with great state, and entertained him
magnificently. When the queen and the emperor found that nothing
was wanting, she sent some persons to inquire what they had used for
firewood; and they came to a house filled with walnuts, and they came
back and told the queen. "Truly," said she, "this is a magnificent king,
who spares no expense where his honour is concerned." She had contrived
this to try what they would do when they could get no firewood to dress
their feast with.

14. KING SIGURD THE CRUSADER'S RETURN HOME.

King Sigurd soon after prepared for his return home. He gave the emperor
all his ships; and the valuable figureheads which were on the king's
ships were set up in Peter's church, where they have since been to be
seen. The emperor gave the king many horses and guides to conduct him
th