So Frithiof became the most famed of men, and the bravest in all things
that may try a man.
Biorn, his foster-brother, he held in most account of all, but Asmund
served the twain of them.
The ship Ellidi, he gat, the best of good things, of his father's
heritage, and another possession therewith--a gold ring; no dearer was
in Norway.
So bounteous a man was Frithiof withal, that it was the talk of most,
that he was a man of no less honour than those brethren, but it were
for the name of king; and for this cause they held Frithiof in hate and
enmity, and it was a heavy thing to them that he was called greater
than they: furthermore they thought they could see that Ingibiorg, their
sister, and Frithiof were of one mind together.
It befell hereon that the kings had to go to a feast to Frithiof s house
at Foreness; and there it happened according to wont that he gave to all
men beyond that they were worthy of. Now Ingibiorg was there, and she
and Frithiof talked long together; and the king's daughter said to
him:--
“A goodly gold ring hast thou.”
“Yea, in good sooth,” said he.
Thereafter went those brethren to their own home, and greater grew their
enmity of Frithiof.
A little after grew Frithiof heavy of mood, and Biorn, his
foster-brother, asked him why he fared so.
He said he had it in his mind to woo Ingibiorg. “For though I be named
by a lesser name than those brethren, yet am I not fashioned lesser.”
“Even so let us do then,” quoth Biorn. So Frithiof fared with certain
men unto those brethren; and the kings were sitting on their father's
mound when Frithiof greeted them well, and then set forth his wooing,
and prayed for their sister Ingibiorg, the daughter of Beli.
The kings said: “Not overwise is this thine asking, whereas thou wouldst
have us give her to one who lacketh dignity; wherefore we gainsay thee
this utterly.”
Said Frithiof: “Then is mine errand soon sped; but in return never will
I give help to you henceforward, nay, though ye need it ever so much.”
They said they heeded it nought: so Frithiof went home, and was joyous
once more.