begged her, for God's sake, to let him know how he could help
her, for that he was a descendant of the famous northern
heroes of the olden time; and perhaps yet something more than
they--namely, a good Christian. "I almost think," murmured
she from beneath her covering, "that you are that very Froda
whom men call the Good, and the friend of the Skalds, and of
whose generosity and mildness such wonderful stories are told.
If it be so, there may be help for me. You need only give up
to me the half of your fields and meadows, and I should be in
a condition to live in some measure such a life as befits the
descendant of the mighty Rolf." Then Froda looked
thoughtfully on the ground; partly because she had asked for
so very much; partly, also, because he was considering whether
she could really be descended from the powerful Rolf. But the
veiled form said, after a pause, "I must have been mistaken,
and you are not indeed that renowned, gentle-hearted Froda:
for how could be have doubted so long about such a trifle?
But I will try the utmost means. See now! for the sake of the
fair Aslauga, of whom you have both read and sang--for the
sake of the honoured daughter of Sigurd, grant my request!"
Then Froda started up eagerly, and cried, "Let it be as you
have said!" and gave her his knightly hand to confirm his
words. But he could not grasp the hand of the peasant-woman,
although her dark form remained close before him. A secret
shudder began to run through his limbs, whilst suddenly a
light seemed to shine forth from the apparition--a golden
light--in which she became wholly wrapped; so that he felt as
though Aslauga stood before him in the flowing veil of her
golden hair, and smiling graciously on him. Transported and
dazzled, he sank on his knees. When he rose up once more he