try. Then he spoke to the Jamtaland people, and
told them they had done ill in turning away from the kings of Norway,
and withdrawing from them their taxes and allegiance. He began by
saying how the Jamtaland people had submitted to the reign of Hakon, the
foster-son of Athelstane, and had long afterwards been subjected to the
kings of Norway, and he represented to them how many useful things they
could get from Norway, and how inconvenient it was for them to apply
to the Swedish king for what they needed. By these speeches he brought
matters so far that the Jamtaland people of their own accord offered to
be subject to him, which they said was useful and necessary for them;
and thus, on both sides, it was agreed that the Jamtalanders should put
their whole country under King Eystein. The first beginning was with the
men of consequence, who persuaded the people to take an oath of fidelity
to King Eystein; and then they went to King Eystein and confirmed the
country to him by oath; and this arrangement has since continued for a
long time. King Eystein thus conquered Jamtaland by his wisdom, and not
by hostile inroads, as some of his forefathers had done.

17. OF KING EYSTEIN'S PERFECTIONS.

King Eystein was the handsomest man that could be seen. He had blue
open eyes; his hair yellow and curling; his stature not tall, but of the
middle size. He was wise, intelligent, and acquainted with the laws and
history. He had much knowledge of mankind, was quick in counsel, prudent
in words, and very eloquent and very generous. He was very merry, yet
modest; and was liked and beloved, indeed, by all the people. He was
married to Ingebjorg, a daughter of Guthorm, son of Thorer of Steig; and
their daughter was Maria, who afterwards married Gudbrand Skafhogson.

18. OF IVAR INGIMUNDSON.

King Eystein had in many ways improved the laws and priveleges of the
country people, and kept strictly to the laws; and he made himself
acquainted with all the laws of Norway, and showed in everything great
prudence and understanding. What a valuable man King Eystein was, how
full of friendship, and how much he turned his mind to examining and
avoiding everything that could be of disadvantage to his friends, may be
seen from his friendship to an Iceland man called Ivar Ingimundson. The
man was witty, of great family, and also a poet. The king saw that Ivar
was out of spirits, and asked him why he was so melancholy. "Before,
when thou wa