half-true. It seems the Greek History-books but indifferently
correspond with these Saga records; and scholars say there could have
been no considerable romance between Zoe and him, Zoe at that date
being 60 years of age! Harald's own lays say nothing of any Zoe, but
are still full of longing for his Russian Princess far away.

At last, what with Zoes, what with Greek perversities and perfidies,
and troubles that could not fail, he determined on quitting Greece;
packed up his immensities of wealth in succinct shape, and actually
returned to Russia, where new honors and favors awaited him from old
friends, and especially, if I mistake not, the hand of that adorable
Princess, crown of all his wishes for the time being. Before long,
however, he decided farther to look after his Norway Royal heritages;
and, for that purpose, sailed in force to the Jarl or quasi-King of
Denmark, the often-beaten Svein, who was now in Sweden on his usual
winter exile after beating. Svein and he had evidently interests in
common. Svein was charmed to see him, so warlike, glorious and
renowned a man, with masses of money about him, too. Svein did by and
by become treacherous; and even attempted, one night, to assassinate
Harald in his bed on board ship: but Harald, vigilant of Svein, and a
man of quick and sure insight, had providently gone to sleep
elsewhere, leaving a log instead of himself among the blankets. In
which log, next morning, treacherous Svein's battle-axe was found
deeply sticking: and could not be removed without difficulty! But
this was after Harald and King Magnus himself bad begun treating; with
the fairest prospects,--which this of the $vein battle-axe naturally
tended to forward, as it altogether ended the other copartnery.

Magnus, on first hearing of Vaeringer Harald and his intentions, made
instant equipment, and determination to fight his uttermost against