KINGS OF NORWAY. 321 The archbishop : " Thou hast already augmented saga xvi. enough thy son's power and dominion ; and if I have exceeded the law in taking an increase of the ore from the Drontheim people, it is, I think, a much greater breach of the law that one is king over the country who is not a king's son, and which has neither any support in the law, nor in any precedent here in the country." Erling : " When Magnus was chosen king, it was done Avith your knowledge and consent, and also of all the other bishops here in the country." Archbishop : " You promised then, Erling, that provided we gave you our consent to electing Magnus king, you would, on all occasions, and with all your power, strengthen God's rights." Erling : "I may well admit that I have promised to preserve and strengthen God's commands, and the laAVS of the land with all my power, and with the king's strength; and now I consider it to be much more advisable, instead of accusing each other of a breach of our promises, to hold firmly by the agree- ment entered into between us. Do you strengthen Magnus in his dominion, according to what you have promised; and I will, on my part, strengthen your power in all that can be of advantage or honour." The conversation now took a more friendly turn ; and Erling said, " Although Magnus was not chosen king according to what has been the old custom of this country, yet can you with your power give him consecration as king, as God's law prescribes, by anointing the king to sovereignty ; and although I be neither a king, nor of kingly race, yet most of the kino's, within my recollection, have not known the laws or the constitution of the country so well as I do. Besides, the mother of King Magnus is the daughter of a king and queen born in lawful wedlock, and VOL. III. Y
