er, he took the stronghold, and put in secret keeping all the
booty he found there, in reserve for future use.

At this time the arrogant wantonness of the brothers Skate and Hiale
waxed so high that they would take virgins of notable beauty from
their parents and ravish them. Hence it came about that they formed the
purpose of seizing Esa, the daughter of Olaf, prince of the Werms;
and bade her father, if he would not have her serve the passion of a
stranger, fight either in person, or by some deputy, in defence of his
child. When Ole had news of this, he rejoiced in the chance of a battle,
and borrowing the attire of a peasant, went to the dwelling of Olaf.
He received one of the lowest places at table; and when he saw the
household of the king in sorrow, he called the king's son closer to him,
and asked why they all wore so lamentable a face. The other answered,
that unless someone quickly interposed to protect them, his sister's
chastity would soon be outraged by some ferocious champions. Ole next
asked him what reward would be received by the man who devoted his life
for the maiden. Olaf, on his son asking him about this matter, said that
his daughter should go to the man who fought for her: and these words,
more than anything, made Ole long to encounter the danger.

Now the maiden was wont to go from one guest to another in order to scan
their faces narrowly, holding out a light that she might have a surer
view of the dress and character of those who were entertained. It is
also believed that she divined their lineage from the lines and features
of the face, and could discern any man's birth by sheer shrewdness of
vision. When she stood and fixed the scrutiny of her gaze upon Olaf,
she was stricken with the strange awfulness of his eyes, and fell almost
lifeless. But when her strength came slowly back, and her breath went
and came more freely, she again tried to look at the young man, but
suddenly slipped and fell forward, as though distraught. A third time
also she strove to lift her closed and downcast gaze, but suddenly
tottered and fell, unable not only to move her eyes, but even to control
her feet; so much can strength be palsied by amazement. When Olaf saw
it, he asked her why she had fallen so often. She averred that she was
stricken by the savage gaze of the guest; that he was born of kings; and
she declared that if he could baulk the will of the ravishers, he was
well worthy of her arms. Then all of them