has a
daughter who is called Thorgerd, and she is the woman I have made up
my mind to woo on your behalf, for she is the very best match in all
Borgarfjord, and even if one went further afield. Moreover, it is to
be looked for, that an alliance with the Mere-men would mean more
power to you." [Sidenote: Olaf's proposal] Olaf answered, "Herein I
shall trust to your foresight, for if this match were to come off it
would be altogether to my liking. But this you must bear in mind,
father, that should this matter be set forth, and not come off, I
should take it very ill." Hoskuld answered, "I think I shall venture
to bring the matter about." Olaf bade him do as he liked. Now time
wears on towards the Thing. Hoskuld prepares his journey from home
with a crowded company, and Olaf, his son, also accompanies him on the
journey. They set up their booth. A great many people were there. Egil
Skallagrim's son was at the Thing. Every one who saw Olaf remarked
what a handsome man he was, and how noble his bearing, well arrayed as
he was as to weapons and clothes.

CHAP. XXIII

The Marriage of Olaf Peacock and Thorgerd, the Daughter of Egil, A.D.
959

It is told how one day the father and son, Hoskuld and Olaf, went
forth from their booth to find Egil. Egil greeted them well, for he
and Hoskuld knew each other very well by word of mouth. Hoskuld now
broaches the wooing on behalf of Olaf, and asks for the hand of
Thorgerd. She was also at the Thing. Egil took the matter well, and
said he had always heard both father and son well spoken of, "and I
also know, Hoskuld," said Egil, "that you are a high-born man and of
great worth, and Olaf is much renowned on account of his journey, and
it is no wonder that such men should look high for a match, for he
lacks neither family nor good looks; but yet this must be talked over
with Thorgerd, for it is no man's task to get Thorgerd for wife
against her will." Hoskuld said, "I wish, Egil, that you would talk
this over with your daughter." Egil said that that should be done.
[Sidenote: Thorgerd's refusal] Egil now went away to find his
daughter, and they talked together. Egil said, "There is here a man
named Olaf, who is Hoskuld's son, and he is now one of the most
renowned of men. Hoskuld, his father, has broached a wooing on behalf
of Olaf, and has sued for your hand; and I have left that matter
mostly for you to deal with. Now I want to know your answer. But it
seems to me that it be