he got meal and stock fish. This Thorwald was a strong and courteous
man, though somewhat hasty in temper. Now, it fell out one day that
Thorwald and his father were talking together of Thorwald's marrying,
and where he had best look for a wife, and it soon came out that he
thought there wasn't a match fit for him far or near.

"Well," said Oswif, "wilt thou ask for Hallgerda Longcoat, Hauskuld's
daughter?"

"Yes! I will ask for her," said Thorwald.

"But that is not a match that will suit either of you," Oswif went on to
say, "for she has a will of her own, and thou art stern-tempered and
unyielding."

"For all that I will try my luck there," said Thorwald, "so it's no good
trying to hinder me."

"Ay!" said Oswif, "and the risk is all thine own."

After that they set off on a wooing journey to Hauskuldstede, and had a
hearty welcome. They were not long in telling Hauskuld their business,
and began to woo; then Hauskuld answered--

"As for you, I know how you both stand in the world, but for my own part
I will use no guile towards you. My daughter has a hard temper, but as
to her looks and breeding you can both see for yourselves."

"Lay down the terms of the match," answered Thorwald, "for I will not
let her temper stand in the way of our bargain."