_Of the Trials that Thor underwent._
“Then the king asked Thor, in what art he would choose to give
proof of that dexterity for which he was so famous. Thor replied,
that he would contest the prize of drinking with any person
belonging to his court. The king consented, and immediately went
into his palace to look for a large horn, out of which his
courtiers were obliged to drink when they had committed any
trespass against the customs of the court.[17] This the cup-bearer
filled to the brim, and presented to Thor, whilst the king spake
thus.--Whoever is a good drinker, will empty that horn at a single
draught; some persons make two of it; but the most puny drinker of
all can do it at three. Thor looked at the horn, and was astonished
at its length;[18] however, as he was very thirsty, he set it to
his mouth, and, without drawing breath, pulled as long and as
deeply as he could, that he might not be obliged to make a second
draught of it; but when he withdrew the cup from his mouth, in
order to look in, he could scarcely perceive any of the liquor
gone. To it he went again with all his might, but succeeded no
better than before. At last, full of indignation, he again set the
horn to his lips, and exerted himself to the utmost to empty it
entirely: then looking in, he found that the liquor was a little
lowered; upon this, he resolved to attempt it no more, but gave
back the horn. I now see plainly, says the king, that thou art not
quite so stout as we thought thee; but art thou willing to make
any more trials? I am sure, says Thor, such draughts as I have been
drinking, would not have been reckoned small among the Gods.