t we would give our sister to a peasant's son. She is
for a proud Northland chieftain, not for such as you, though all men
may boast of your wondrous deeds."

"Then," said Frithiof, in slow-gathering wrath, "my errand is soon
finished. Remember, that if this is your final answer, I will never
give you help in trouble, however much you may require it."

"Our kingdom requires not your service," they answered jeeringly, "we
can protect it ourselves. But if you need employment, why, we can give
you a servant's place among our household men."

Then Frithiof reared his great head, saying proudly:

"No man of yours am I, but, as my father was, I am a man for myself.
And now, were it not for the honour I bear to our fathers' graves,
your words would cost you dear. Hereafter come not within range of my
sword."

And as he spoke, with one blow he cleft the golden war shield of Helge
with his good sword, and the two halves fell clashing to the ground.

CHAPTER XXII

Frithiof and Ingeborg

_This is the tale the Northmen tell of how
Ingeborg went to dwell in Balder's grove._

Far in the south of that land lived a mighty ruler, whose name was
Ring. Wise was he, and king of a land like the groves of the gods,
where the corn crops waved each year and peace and justice flourished
within its borders. For thirty years had he ruled his kingdom, and
each year his people rose up and called him blessed.

Now one day this king sat deep in thought upon his golden chair, and
when he at length pushed it back from the board, his chieftains rose
up gladly to hear his words.

And the king said: "It is now a weary while since the queen, my wife,
left me sorrowful upon the earth and went to dwell in the bowers of
the blessed ones in Asgard. Never again shall I find a queen so good
and fair; but my children cry to me for a mother's care and I must
seek another wife for their sake.

"Now it comes to my remembrance that often King Bele visited my hall,
and with him sometimes came his fair daughter Ingeborg. 'Tis on her my
choice shall fall, for though I am old and she is but a young girl, I
know that she will be a good mother to my children."

"Take therefore gold and gems from yon oak presses, and let the
minstrels tune their harps and go forth to ask her in marriage from
the sons of Bele."

So a long line of harpers went forth, followed by youths in glad
array, and they stood before King Helge and King Halfdan, and gave to
the