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account; and this appears to me to suit a chief best, because the best
ornament is allied to beauty. I am moreover more knowing in the law than
you, and on every subject my words flow more easily than yours."

Sigurd: "It may be that you know more law-quirks, for I have had
something else to do; neither will any deny you a smooth tongue. But
there are many who say that your words are not to be trusted; that what
you promise is little to be regarded; and that you talk just according
to what those who are about you say, which is not kingly."

Eystein: "This is because, when people bring their cases before me, I
wish first to give every man that satisfaction in his affairs which
he desires; but afterwards comes the opposite party, and then there
is something to be given or taken away very often, in order to mediate
between them, so that both may be satisfied. It often happens, too, that
I promise whatever is desired of me, that all may be joyful about me. It
would be an easy matter for me to do as you do,--to promise evil to all;
and I never hear any complain of your not keeping this promise to them."

Sigurd: "It is the conversation of all that the expedition that I made
out of the country was a princely expedition, while you in the meantime
sat at home like your father's daughter."

Eystein: "Now you touched the tender spot. I would not have brought up
this conversation if I had not known what to reply on this point. I can
truly say that I equipt you from home like a sister, before you went
upon this expedition."

Sigurd: "You must have heard that on this expedition I was in many a
battle in the Saracen's land, and gained the victory in all; and you
must have heard of the many valuable articles I acquired, the like
of which were never seen before in this country, and I was the most
respected wherever the most gallant men were; and, on the other hand,
you cannot conceal that you have only a home-bred reputation."

Eystein: "I have heard that you had several battles abroad, but it was
more useful for the country what I was doing in the meantime here at
home. I built five churches from the foundations, and a harbour out at
Agdanes, where it before was impossible to land, and where vessels ply
north and south along the coast. I set a warping post and iron ring in
the sound of Sinholm, and in Bergen I built a royal hall, while you were
killing bluemen for the devil in Serkland. This, I think, was of but
little advanta