Now weareth away the mid-winter, and when spring cometh, the weather
groweth fair, the wood bloometh, the grass groweth, and ships may glide
betwixt land and land. So on a day the king says to his folk: “I will
that ye come with us for our disport out into the woods, that we may
look upon the fairness of the earth.”
So did they, and went flock-meal with the king into the woods; but so it
befell, that the king and Frithiof were gotten alone together afar from
other men, and the king said he was heavy, and would fain sleep. Then
said Thief: “Get thee home, then, lord, for it better beseemeth men of
high estate to lie at home than abroad.”
“Nay,” said the king, “so will I not do.” And he laid him down
therewith, and slept fast, snoring loud.
Thief sat close by him, and presently drew his sword from his sheath and
cast it far away from him.
A little while after the king woke up, and said: “Was it not so,
Frithiof, that a many things came into thy mind e'en now? But well hast
thou dealt with them, and great honour shalt thou have of me. Lo, now, I
knew thee straightway that first evening thou earnest into our hall: now
nowise speedily shalt thou depart from us; and somewhat great abideth
thee.”
Said Frithiof: “Lord king, thou hast done to me well, and in friendly
wise; but yet must I get me gone soon, because my company cometh
speedily to meet me, as I have given them charge to do.”
So then they rode home from the wood, and the king's folk came flocking
to him, and home they fared to the hall and drank joyously; and it was
made known to all folk that Frithiof the Bold had been abiding there
through the winter-tide.