each was entertained in a separate house, and the
houses were not very distant from each other. The bondes, however,
thought it more convenient that both should be entertained together by
turns in each house; and thus they were both at first in the house of
King Eystein. But in the evening, when the people began to drink, the
ale was not good; so that the guests were very quiet and still. Then
said King Eystein, "Why are the people so silent? It is more usual in
drinking parties that people are merry, so let us fall upon some jest
over our ale that will amuse people; for surely, brother Sigurd, all
people are well pleased when we talk cheerfully."

Sigurd replies, bluntly, "Do you talk as much as you please, but give me
leave to be silent."

Eystein says, "It is a common custom over the ale-table to compare one
person with another, and now let us do so." Then Sigurd was silent.

"I see," says King Eystein, "that I must begin this amusement. Now I
will take thee, brother, to compare myself with, and will make it appear
so as if we had both equal reputation and property, and that there is no
difference in our birth and education."

Then King Sigurd replies, "Do you remember that I was always able to
throw you when we wrestled, although you are a year older?"

Then King Eystein replied, "But I remember that you was not so good at
the games which require agility."

Sigurd: "Do you remember that I could drag you under water, when we swam
together, as often as I pleased?"

Eystein: "But I could swim as far as you, and could dive as well as you;
and I could run upon snow-skates so well that nobody could beat me, and
you could no more do it than an ox."

Sigurd: "Methinks it is a more useful and suitable accomplishment for
a chief to be expert at his bow; and I think you could scarcely draw my
bow, even if you took your foot to help."

Eystein: "I am not strong at the bow as you are, but there is less
difference between our shooting near; and I can use the skees
much better than you, and in former times that was held a great
accomplishment."

Sigurd: "It appears to me much better for a chief who is to be the
superior of other men, that he is conspicuous in a crowd, and strong
and powerful in weapons above other men; easily seen, and easily known,
where there are many together."

Eystein: "It is not less a distinction and an ornament that a man is
of a handsome appearance, so as to be easily known from others on tha