"This is a difficult matter that you propose to
me, to speak against my brother; and there is a great difference between
defending a cause and pursuing it in law;" and added, that this was a
matter which concerned him and Sigurd equally. "But for thy distress,
and our relationship, I shall bring in a word for thee."

Soon after Eystein visited King Sigurd, and entreated him to spare the
man, reminding him of the relationship between them and Sigurd Hranason,
who was married to their aunt, Skialdvor; and said he would pay the
penalty for the crime committed against the king, although he could not
with truth impute any blame to him in the matter. Besides, he reminded
the king of the long friendship with Sigurd Hranason. King Sigurd
replied, that it was better government to punish such acts. Then King
Eystein replied, "If thou, brother, wilt follow the law, and punish
such acts according to the country's privileges, then it would be most
correct that Sigurd Hranason produce his witnesses, and that the case be
judged at the Thing, but not at a meeting; for the case comes under
the law of the land, not under Bjarkey law." Then said Sigurd, "It
may possibly be so that the case belongs to it, as thou sayest, King
Eystein; and if it be against law what has hitherto been done in this
case, then we shall bring it before the Thing." Then the kings parted,
and each seemed determined to take his own way. King Sigurd summoned the
parties in the case before the Arnarnes Thing, and intended to pursue it
there. King Eystein came also to the Thing-place; and when the case
was brought forward for judgment, King Eystein went to the Thing before
judgment was given upon Sigurd Hranason. Now King Sigurd told the lagmen
to pronounce the judgment; but King Eystein replied thus: "I trust there
are here men acquainted sufficiently with the laws of Norway, to know
that they cannot condemn a lendermen to be outlawed at this Thing." And
he then explained how the law was, so that every man clearly understood
it. Then said King Sigurd, "Thou art taking up this matter very warmly,
King Eystein, and it is likely the case will cost more trouble before
it comes to an end than we intended; but nevertheless we shall follow it
out. I will have him condemned to be outlawed in his native place." Then
said King Eystein, "There are certainly not many things which do not
succeed with thee, and especially when there are but few and small folks
to oppose one who ha