king of Ireland.  The news of this spread over the land, as well as of the honour that mighty men, whom he had gone to see, had bestowed on him.  Melkorka came soon to see Olaf, her son, and Olaf greeted her with great joy.  She asked about many things in Ireland, first of her father and then of her other relations.  Olaf replied to everything she asked.  Then she asked if her foster-mother still lived.  Olaf said she was still alive.  Melkorka asked why he had not tried to give her the pleasure of bringing her over to Iceland.  Olaf replied, “They would not allow me to bring your foster-mother out of Ireland, mother.”  “That may be so,” she replied, and it could be seen that this she took much to heart.  Melkorka and Thorbjorn had one son, who was named Lambi.  He was a tall man and strong, like his father in looks as well as in temper. [Sidenote:  Hoskuld’s advice to Olaf] When Olaf had been in Iceland a month, and spring came on, father and son took counsel together.  “I will, Olaf,” said Hoskuld, “that a match should be sought for you, and that then you should take over the house of your foster-father at Goddistead, where still there are great means stored up, and that then you should look after the affairs of that household under my guidance.”  Olaf answered, “Little have I set my mind on that sort of thing hitherto; besides, I do not know where that woman lives whom to marry would mean any great good luck to me.  You must know I shall look high for a wife.  But I see clearly that you would not have broached this matter till you had made up your mind as to where it was to end.”  Hoskuld said, “You guess that right.  There is a man named Egil.  He is Skallagrim’s son.  He lives at Borg, in Borgarfjord.  This Egil has a daughter who is called Thorgerd, and she is the woman I have made up my mind to woo on your behalf, for she is the very best match in all Borgarfjord, and even if one went further afield.  Moreover, it is to be looked for, that an alliance with the Mere-men would mean more power to you.” [Sidenote:  Olaf’s proposal] Olaf answered, “Herein I shall trust to your foresight, for if this match were to come off it would be altogether to my liking.  But this you must bear in mind, father, that should this matter be set forth, and not come off, I should take it very ill.”  Hoskuld answered, “I think I shall venture to bring the matter about.”  Olaf bade him do as he liked.  Now time wears on towards the Thing.  Hoskuld prepares his journey from home with a crowded company, and Olaf, his son, also accompanies him on the journey.  They set up their booth.  A great many people were there.  Egil Skallagrim’s son was at the Thing.  Every one who saw Olaf remarked what a handsome man he was, and how noble his bearing, well arrayed as he was as to weapons and clothes.

CHAP.  XXIII

The Marriage of Olaf Peacock and Thorgerd, the Daughter of Egil, A.D. 959