s host, and shaped his course for
Sweden. Word sent he to Sigrid that he desired to meet her, & she rode
down to him, & they talked together; then without more ado he asked her
whether she would have him for mate, to which Sigrid made answer that to
do such a thing would indeed be foolish, seeing that he is well married
already, and better for him might not be. Harald confessed Asta to be a
good wife and brave, 'but of such noble blood as mine is she not
withal.' Then answered Sigrid. 'Maybe thou art of higher lineage than
she, yet nevertheless it beseemeth to me that with her is the happiness
of ye both.' And after that few were the words spoken between them
before the Queen rode away.

|| Then was King Harald sick at heart, & he made him ready to ride inland
to see Queen Sigrid yet once more. Many of his men counselled him
therefrom, but none the less went he with a great following to the house
of which Sigrid was lady. That same evening there came thither from the
east, from Gardariki (western Russia), another king-- VissavaldSec. was his
name, & he likewise came to woo Sigrid the Queen. The kings & all their
retinue were given seats in a large & ancient chamber; & ancient also
were the furnishings of this room, but drink more than enough went round
that evening, so strong indeed that all became drunken, and both the
head-guard, and the outer-guard fell asleep. Then, during the night--
and all this was caused by Queen Sigrid-- were they fallen upon with
fire and sword; both the chamber & the men who were therein were burned,
& of those who came out from it not one was allowed to go alive.

Quoth Sigrid on this matter, that she would teach small kings from other
lands to woo her; & thereafter she was called Sigrid the Scheming.

|| It was the winter before these things befell that the battle with the
Jomsborg vikings was fought in Hiorungavag. Now while Harald was gone
inland, one Hrani was left in charge of the ships and men; but when the
news came that Harald had been done to death, fared they thence
forthwith, & going back to Norway recounted the tidings.

And to Asta went Hrani & told her all things concerning their voyage, &
likewise the errand that had urged King Harald to Queen Sigrid. When she
heard these tidings Asta went straightway to the Uplands to her father,
and right welcome was she made, but exceeding wrathful were they both at
the base design which had been toward in Sweden, & with Harald that h