times been so good in Norway
since the days of Harald Harfager. King Olaf modified for the better
many a matter that his father had inaugurated and maintained with
severity. He was generous, but a strict ruler, for he was a wise man,
and well understood what was of advantage to the kingdom. There are many
stories of his good works. How much he loved and how kind he was to the
people may be seen from the following words, which he once spoke at a
large banquet. He was happy and in the best of spirits, when one of his
men said, "It pleases us, sire, to see you so happy." He answered: "I
have reason to be glad when I see my subjects sitting happy and free in
a guild consecrated to my uncle, the sainted King Olaf. In the days of
my father these people were subjected to much terror and fear; the most
of them concealed their gold and their precious things, but now I see
glittering on his person what each one owns, and your freedom is my
gladness." In his reign there was no strife, and he protected himself and
his realm against enemies abroad; and his nearest neighbours stood in
great awe of him, although he was a most gentle man, as is confirmed by
the skald.

9. MEETING OF OLAF KYRRE AND CANUTE THE SAINT.

King Olaf Kyrre was a great friend of his brother-in-law, the Danish
king, Canute the holy. They appointed a meeting and met at the Gaut
river at Konungahella, where the kings used to have their meetings.
There King Canute made the proposal that they should send an army
westward to England on account of the revenge they had to take there;
first and foremost King Olaf himself, and also the Danish king. "Do one
of two things," said King Canute,--"either take sixty ships, which I
will furnish thee with, and be thou the leader; or give me sixty ships,
and I shall be the leader." Then said King Olaf, "This speech of thine,
King Canute, is altogether according to my mind; but there is this
great difference between us; your family has had more luck in conquering
England with great glory, and, among others, King Canute the Great;
and it is likely that this good fortune follows your race. On the other
hand, when King Harald, my father, went westward to England, he got his
death there; and at that time the best men in Norway followed him. But
Norway was so emptied then of chosen men, that such men have not since
been to find in the country; for that expedition there was the most
excellent outfit, and you know what was the end