at the outset smooth and fair albeit it was manifest in
his talking that it was his will that they should accept Christianity.

And after he had done with fair words he fell to vowing that those who
spoke against him and would not do his bidding would bring upon
themselves his wrath & chastisement and hard entreatment howsoever he
might bring it about.

Now when the King had made an end to speaking there stood up one of the
yeomen who was the most eloquent & who had been chosen as the first to
make answer to King Olaf.

But when he was about to speak was he taken with such a coughing &
choking that he could not get forth a word, and down sat he again.
Sorely as it had gone with the first yet nevertheless rose another man
to his feet to take up the answer, but when he began to talk so greatly
did he stammer that never a word could he get forth. Then all who were
present fell to laughing, so that the yeoman sat himself down again.
Then stood the third man up with intent to speak against King Olaf, but
so hoarse was he and husky that no man could hear what he said, so down
he sat likewise. There being now none of the chosen yeomen left to speak
against the King, and no one else would answer him, the resistance that
had been projected came to naught.

In the end therefore were all agreed to do the King's bidding, and all
the Thing folk were christened there and then or ever the King departed
from them.

|| King Olaf proceeded to the Gula-Thing accompanied by his men, for the
peasants had sent unto the King saying that there they would answer him
on this matter. But when both parties were come to the Thing the King
made known that it was his wish first to have speech with the chiefs of
the land, so when all were assembled there he set forth his purpose in
being present, which was to impose baptism upon them.

Then spake Olmod the Old and said: 'We kinsmen have taken counsel
together on this matter, and of one consent are we thereon. If thou,
King, thinkest to force us kinsmen to such a thing as the breaking of
our laws, and wilt bend us to thy will, then will we defy thee by all
means in our power, & fate must decide whoso shall get the mastery.

But if thou, O King, wilt advance us kinsfolk somewhat then thou mayst
bring it so well about that we shall turn to thee in hearty obedience.'
Quoth the King, 'What is that which ye demand that shall bring about
good peace betwixt us?' Then said Olmod, 'Firstly is it thou s