In the days of King Olaf there were bountiful harvests in Norway and
many good things. In no man's life had times been so good in Norway
since the days of Harald Harfager. King Olaf modified for the better
many a matter that his father had inaugurated and maintained with
severity. He was generous, but a strict ruler, for he was a wise man,
and well understood what was of advantage to the kingdom. There are many
stories of his good works. How much he loved and how kind he was to the
people may be seen from the following words, which he once spoke at a
large banquet. He was happy and in the best of spirits, when one of his
men said, "It pleases us, sire, to see you so happy." He answered: "I
have reason to be glad when I see my subjects sitting happy and free in
a guild consecrated to my uncle, the sainted King Olaf. In the days of
my father these people were subjected to much terror and fear; the most
of them concealed their gold and their precious things, but now I see
glittering on his person what each one owns, and your freedom is my
gladness." In his reign there was no strife, and he protected himself and
his realm against enemies abroad; and his nearest neighbours stood in
great awe of him, although he was a most gentle man, as is confirmed by
the skald.