1 90 Norivay and the Norwegians 



adopt Christianity. Kjartan replies that he would not 

 say no to that if he thereby obtained the king's friend- 

 ship ; and as the king promised him the fullest friend- 

 ship, they were soon agreed. ThB next day Kjartan 

 was baptized, together with his relation Bolli Thorlaks- 

 son, and all their fellow-travellers. Kjartan and Bolli 

 were the king's guests as long as they were in their 

 white baptismal clothes, and the king liad much kind- 

 ness for them. Wherever they came they were looked 

 upon as people of distinction. 



As King Olaf one day was walking in the street some 

 men met him, and he who went the foremost saluted 

 the king. The king asked the man his name, and he 

 called himself Halfred (Ottarsson). 



' Art thou the skald ? ' said the king. 



' I can compose poetry,' replied he. 



' Wilt thou then adopt Christianity, and come into 

 my service ? ' asked the king. 



' If I am baptized,' replies he, ' it must be on one 

 condition : that thou thyself stand my godfather ; for no 

 other will I have.' 



The king replies : ' That I will do ; ' and Halfred 

 was baptized, the king holding him during the baptism. 



Afterwards the king said : ' Wilt thou enter into my 

 service ? ' 



Halfred replied : ' I was formerly at Earl Hakon's 

 court ; but now I will neither enter into thine nor into 

 any other service, unless thou promise me it shall never 

 be my lot to be driven away from thee.' 



'It has been reported to me,' said the king, 'that 

 thou art neither so prudent nor so obedient as to fulfil 

 my commands,' 



