he Danish girls may have their jeers;
They may laugh or smile,
But outside their isle
Old Harek still on to his North land steers."

Harek went on his way, and never stopped till he came north to
Halogaland, to his own house in Thjotta.

169. KING OLAF'S COURSE FROM SVITHJOD.

When King Olaf began his journey, he came first into Smaland, and then
into West Gautland. He marched quietly and peaceably, and the country
people gave him all assistance on his journey. Thus he proceeded until
he came into Viken, and north through Viken to Sarpsborg, where he
remained, and ordered a winter abode to be prepared (A.D. 1028). Then he
gave most of the chiefs leave to return home, but kept the lendermen by
him whom he thought the most serviceable. There were with him also all
the sons of Arne Arnmodson, and they stood in great favour with the
king. Geller Thorkelson, who the summer before had come from Iceland,
also came there to the king, as before related.

170. OF SIGVAT THE SKALD.

Sigvat the skald had long been in King Olaf's household, as before
related, and the king made him his marshal. Sigvat had no talent for
speaking in prose; but in skaldcraft he was so practised, that the
verses came as readily from his tongue as if he were speaking in usual
language. He had made a mercantile journey to Normandy, and in the
course of it had come to England, where he met King Canute, and obtained
permission from him to sail to Norway, as before related. When he
came to Norway he proceeded straight to King Olaf, and found him at
Sarpsborg. He presented himself before the king just as he was sitting
down to table. Sigvat saluted him. The king looked at Sigvat and was
silent. Then Sigvat sang:--

"Great king! thy marshal is come home,
No more by land or sea to roam,
But by thy side
Still to abide.
Great king! what seat here shall he take
For the king's honour--not his sake?
For all seats here
To me are dear."

Then was verified the old saying, that "many are the ears of a king;"
for King Olaf had heard all about Sigvat's journey, and that he had
spoken with Canute. He says to Sigvat, "I do not know if thou art my
marshal, or hast become one of Canute's men." Sigvat said:--

"Canute, whose golden gifts display
A generous heart, would have me stay,
Service in his great court to take,
And my own Norway king forsa