It is related that King Sigurd one day was to give the emperor a feast,
and he ordered his men to provide sumptuously all that was necessary for
the entertainment; and when all things were provided which are suitable
for an entertainment given by a great personage to persons of high
dignity, King Sigurd ordered his men to go to the street in the city
where firewood was sold, as they would require a great quantity to
prepare the feast. They said the king need not be afraid of wanting
firewood, for every day many loads were brought into the town. When it
was necessary, however, to have firewood, it was found that it was all
sold, which they told the king. He replied, "Go and try if you can get
walnuts. They will answer as well as wood for fuel." They went and
got as many as they needed. Now came the emperor, and his grandees and
court, and sat down to table. All was very splendid; and King
Sigurd received the emperor with great state, and entertained him
magnificently. When the queen and the emperor found that nothing
was wanting, she sent some persons to inquire what they had used for
firewood; and they came to a house filled with walnuts, and they came
back and told the queen. "Truly," said she, "this is a magnificent king,
who spares no expense where his honour is concerned." She had contrived
this to try what they would do when they could get no firewood to dress
their feast with.