fifteen winters old. [Sidenote: Melkorka's foster-mother] But most
startled of all at these tidings was the foster-mother of Melkorka,
who was then bed-ridden, both from heavy sickness and old age; yet she
walked with no staff even to support her, to meet Olaf. The king said
to Olaf, "Here is come Melkorka's foster-mother, and she will wish to
hear all the tidings you can tell about Melkorka's life." Olaf took
her with open arms, and set the old woman on his knee, and said her
foster-daughter was well settled and in a good position in Iceland.
Then Olaf put in her hands the knife and the belt, and the old woman
recognised the gifts, and wept for joy, and said it was easy to see
that Melkorka's son was one of high mettle, and no wonder, seeing what
stock he comes of. The old woman was strong and well, and in good
spirits all that winter. The king was seldom at rest, for at that time
the lands in the west were at all times raided by war-bands. The king
drove from his land that winter both Vikings and raiders. [Sidenote:
Olaf's life in Ireland] Olaf was with his suite in the king's ship,
and those who came against them thought his was indeed a grim company
to deal with. The king talked over with Olaf and his followers all
matters needing counsel, for Olaf proved himself to the king both
wise and eager-minded in all deeds of prowess. But towards the latter
end of the winter the king summoned a Thing, and great numbers came.
The king stood up and spoke. He began his speech thus: "You all know
that last autumn there came hither a man who is the son of my
daughter, and high-born also on his father's side; and it seems to me
that Olaf is a man of such prowess and courage that here such men are
not to be found. Now I offer him my kingdom after my day is done, for
Olaf is much more suitable for a ruler than my own sons." Olaf thanked
him for this offer with many graceful and fair words, and said he
would not run the risk as to how his sons might behave when Myrkjartan
was no more; said it was better to gain swift honour than lasting