I best like it; for it gives my men no less praise than myself.
Jatgeir.
The King is honoured when his men are praised.
King Skule.
Take as guerdon this arm-ring, stay with me, and be of my household; I will have many skalds about me.
Jatgeir.
'Twill need many, my lord, if all your great deeds are to be sung.
King Skule.
I will be threefold more bountiful than Håkon; the skald's song shall be honoured and rewarded like all other noble deeds, so long as I am king. Be seated; now you belong to my household; all you have need of shall be freely given you.
Jatgeir.
[Seats himself.] Ere long there will be a dearth of what I most need, my lord.
King Skule.
What mean you?
Jatgeir.
Foes to King Skule, whose flight and fall I can sing.
Many of the Men.
[Amid laughter and applause.] Well said, Icelander!
Paul Flida.
[To Jatgeir.] The song was good; but 'tis
