Thorer, a son of Olver of Eggja, a stepson of Kalf Arnason, and a
sister's son of Thorer Hund, was a remarkably handsome man, stout and
strong. He was at this time eighteen years old; had made a good marriage
in Hedemark, by which he got great wealth; and was besides one of the
most popular of men, and formed to be a chief. He invited the king and
his retinue home to him to a feast. The king accepted the invitation,
went to Thorer's, and was well received. The entertainment was very
splendid; they were excellently treated, and all that was set before the
guests was of the best that could be got. The king and his people talked
among themselves of the excellence of everything, and knew not what they
should admire the most,--whether Thorer's house outside, or the inside
furniture, the table service, or the liquors, or the host who gave them
such a feast. But Dag said little about it. The king used often to speak
to Dag, and ask him about various things; and he had proved the truth
of all that Dag had said, both of things that had happened or were to
happen, and therefore the king had much confidence in what he said.
The king called Dag to him to have a private conversation together,
and spoke to him about many things. Afterwards the king turned the
conversation on Thorer,--what an excellent man Thorer was, and what a
superb feast he had made for them. Dag answered but little to this,
but agreed it was true what the king said. The king then asked Dag
what disposition or faith he found in Thorer. Dag replied that he must
certainly consider Thorer of a good disposition, if he be really what
most people believe him to be. The king told him to answer direct what
he was asked, and said that it was his duty to do so. Dag replies, "Then
thou must allow me to determine the punishment if I disclose his faith."
The king replied that he would not submit his decision to another man,
but again ordered Dag to reply to what he asked.
Dag replies, "The sovereign's order goes before all. I find this
disposition in Thorer, as in so many others, that he is too greedy of
money."