Thick, since the bondes
refer the matter to him." He was their commander; so they proceeded to
the town (Nidaros), and took lodging there. The day after they presented
themselves to the king, just as he was seated at table, saluted him, and
said they came with a message of the Swedish king. The king told them to
come to him next day. Next day the king, having heard mass, went to his
Thing-house, ordered the messengers of the Swedish king to be called,
and told them to produce their message. Then Thorgaut spoke, and told
first what his errand was, and next how the Throndhjem people of
the interior had replied to it; and asked the king's decision on the
business, that they might know what result their errand there was to
have. The king answers, "While the earls ruled over the country, it was
not to be wondered at if the country people thought themselves bound to
obey them, as they were at least of the royal race of the kingdom. But
it would have been more just if those earls had given assistance and
service to the kings who had a right to the country, rather than to
foreign kings, or to stir up opposition to their lawful kings, depriving
them of their land and kingdom. With regard to Olaf the Swede, who
calls himself entitled to the kingdom of Norway, I, who in fact am so
entitled, can see no ground for his claim; but well remember the skaith
and damage we have suffered from him and his relations."

Then says Asgaut. "It is not wonderful that thou art called Olaf the
Thick, seeing thou answerest so haughtily to such a prince's message,
and canst not see clearly how heavy the king's wrath will be for thee
to support, as many have experienced who had greater strength than thou
appearest to have. But if thou wishest to keep hold of thy kingdom, it
will be best for thee to come to the king, and be his man; and we shall
beg him to give thee this kingdom in fief under him."

The king replies with all gentleness, "I will give thee an advice,
Asgaut, in return. Go back to the east again to thy king, and tell him
that early in spring I will make myself ready, and will proceed eastward
to the ancient frontier that divided formerly the kingdom of the kings
of Norway from Sweden. There he may come if he likes, that we may
conclude a peace with each other; and each of us will retain the kingdom
to which he is born."

Now the messengers turned back to their lodging, and prepared for their
departure, and the king went to table. The m