and wide over land and sea, and that he might invite any
travellers who were passing by, as was his custom, to share in
his noble hospitality.

But on this day he saw little of all that he was accustomed to
look upon; for on his knees there lay an ancient book with
skilfully and richly painted characters, which a learned
Icelander had just sent to him across the sea: it was the
history of Aslauga, the fair daughter of Sigurd, who at first,
concealing her high birth, kept goats among the simple
peasants of the land, clothed in mean attire; then, in the
golden veil of her flowing hair, won the love of King Ragnar
Lodbrog; and at last shone brightly on the Danish throne as
his glorious queen, till the day of her death.

To the Knight Froda it seemed as though the gracious Lady
Aslauga rose in life and birth before him, so that his calm
and steadfast heart, true indeed to ladies' service, but never
yet devoted to one particular female image, burst forth in a
clear flame of love for the fair daughter of Sigurd. "What
matters it," thought he to himself, "that it is more than a
hundred years since she disappeared from earth? She sees so
clearly into this heart of mine--and what more can a knight
desire? wherefore she shall henceforth be my honoured love,
and shall inspire me in battle and in song." And therewith he
sang a lay on his new love, which ran in the following manner:


"They ride over hill and dale apace
To seek for their love the fairest face--