KINGS OF NORWAY. 31 fore declaring it publicly to the people. I will promise sa ga v h: thee, however, my interest with the kings, and other chiefs, and country people ; and also, King Olaf, all my property stands to thy aid, and to strengthen thee. But we will only produce the matter to the community so soon as we see some progress, and expect some strength to this undertaking ; for thou canst easily perceive that it is a daring measure to enter into strife with Olaf the Swedish king, and Canute, who is king both of Denmark and England ; and thou re- quirest great support under thee, if it is to suc- ceed. It is not unlikely, in my opinion, that thou wilt get good support from the people, as the com- monalty always loves what is new ; and it went so before, when Olaf Tryggvesson came here to the country, that all rejoiced at it, although he did not long enjoy the kingdom." When the consultation had proceeded so far, Aasta took up the word. " For my part, my son, I am re- joiced at thy arrival, but much more at thy ad- vancing thy honour. I will spare nothing for that purpose that stands in my power, although it be but little help that can be expected from me. But if a choice could be made, I would rather that thou shouldst be the supreme king of Norway, even if thou shouldst not sit longer in thy kingdom than Olaf Tryggvesson did, than that thou shouldst not be a greater king than Sigurd Syr is, and die the death of old age." With this the conference closed. King Olaf remained here a while with all his men. King Si- gurd entertained them, day about, the one day with fish and milk, the other day with flesh-meat and ale.* At that time there were manv kings in the Up- Chapter XXXIV lands who had districts to rule over, and the most of of the them were descended from Harald Haarfager. In kin § sin
- This is a common way of living in Norway to this day among the
peasants and middle class.
