if I was wrong in what I asked; but it is inherited from my
ancestors to defend my rights against any man, without distinction of
persons." The king was just the same on this point, and his resolution
was by no means softened by such a speech. Then Skopte went home.

20. FIN SKOPTASON'S PROCEEDINGS.

Then Fin Skoptason went to the king, spoke with him, and entreated
him to render justice to the father and son in this business. The king
answers angrily and sharply. Then said Fin, "I expected something else,
sire, from you, than that you would use the law's vexations against
me when I took my seat in Kvaldinsey Island, which few of your other
friends would do; as they said, what was true, that those who were left
there were deserted and doomed to death, if King Inge had not shown
greater generosity to us than you did; although many consider that we
brought shame and disgrace only from thence." The king was not to be
moved by this speech, and Fin returned home.

21. OGMUND SKOPTASON'S PROCEEDINGS.

Then came Ogmund Skoptason to the king; and when he came before him he
produced his errand, and begged the king to do what was right and proper
towards him and his father. The king insisted that the right was on his
side, and said they were "particularly impudent."

Then said Ogmund, "It is a very easy thing for thee, having the power,
to do me and my father injustice; and I must say the old proverb is
true, that one whose life you save gives none, or a very bad return.
This I shall add, that never again shall I come into thy service; nor
my father, if I can help it." Then Ogmund went home, and they never saw
each other again.

22. SKOPTE OGMUNDSON'S VOYAGE ABROAD.

The spring after, Skopte Ogmundson made ready to travel out of the
country. They had five long-ships all well equipped. His sons, Ogmund,
Fin, and Thord, accompanied him on this journey. It was very late before
they were ready, and in autumn they went over to Flanders, and wintered
there. Early in spring they sailed westward to Valland, and stayed there
all summer. Then they sailed further, and through Norvasund; and came
in autumn to Rome, where Skopte died. All, both father and sons, died
on this journey. Thord, who died in Sicily, lived the longest. It is a
common saying among the people that Skopte was the first Northman who
sailed through Norvasund; and this voyage was much celebrated.

23. MIRACLE OF KING OLAF THE SAINT AT A FIR