There was a girl whose name was Alfhild, and who was usually called
the king's slave-woman, although she was of good descent. She was
a remarkably handsome girl, and lived in King Olaf's court. It was
reported this spring that Alfhild was with child, and the king's
confidential friends knew that he was father of the child. It happened
one night that Alfhild was taken ill, and only few people were at hand;
namely, some women, priests, Sigvat the skald, and a few others. Alfhild
was so ill that she was nearly dead; and when she was delivered of a
man-child, it was some time before they could discover whether the child
was in life. But when the infant drew breath, although very weak, the
priest told Sigvat to hasten to the king, and tell him of the event.
He replies, "I dare not on any account waken the king; for he has forbid
that any man should break his sleep until he awakens of himself."
The priest replies, "It is of necessity that this child be immediately
baptized, for it appears to me there is but little life in it."
Sigvat said, "I would rather venture to take upon me to let thee baptize
the child, than to awaken the king; and I will take it upon myself if
anything be amiss, and will give the child a name."
They did so; and the child was baptized, and got the name of Magnus.
The next morning, when the king awoke and had dressed himself, the
circumstance was told him. He ordered Sigvat to be called, and said.
"How camest thou to be so bold as to have my child baptized before I
knew anything about it?"
Sigvat replies, "Because I would rather give two men to God than one to
the devil."