Skopte Ogmundson came into variance with King Magnus, and they
quarrelled about the inheritance of a deceased person which Skopte
retained; but the king demanded it with so much earnestness, that it had
a dangerous appearance. Many meetings were held about the affair,
and Skopte took the resolution that he and his son should never put
themselves into the king's power at the same time; and besides there was
no necessity to do so. When Skopte was with the king he represented to
him that there was relationship between the king and him; and also
that he, Skopte, had always been the king's friend, and his father's
likewise, and that their friendship had never been shaken. He added,
"People might know that I have sense enough not to hold a strife, sire,
with you, if I was wrong in what I asked; but it is inherited from my
ancestors to defend my rights against any man, without distinction of
persons." The king was just the same on this point, and his resolution
was by no means softened by such a speech. Then Skopte went home.