366 LETTERS FROM HIGH LATITUDES. 
preparing. Gudrun’s husband incites the Bonders to 
throw off the yoke of the licentious despot,—Olaf Trygg- 
vesson is proclaimed king,—and the “ great Jarl of 
Lade ” is now a fugitive in the land he so lately ruled, 
accompanied by a single thrall, named Karker. 
In this extremity, Jarl Hacon applies for aid to 
Thora of Bimmol, a lady whom he had once dearly 
loved; she is faithful in adversity to the friend of 
happier days, and conceals the Jarl and his companion 
in a hole dug for this purpose, in the swine-stye, and 
covered over with wood and litter; as the only spot 
likely to elude the hot search of his enemies. Olaf and 
the Bonders seek for him in Thora’s house, but in vain; 
and finally, Olaf, standing on the very stone against 
which the swine-stye is built, promises wealth and 
honours to him who shall bring him the Jarl of Lade’s 
head. The scene which follows is related by the Ice¬ 
landic historian with Dante’s tragic power. 
There was a little day-light in their hiding-place, and 
the Jarl and Karker both hear the words of Olaf. 
“ Why art thou so pale? ” says the Jarl, “ and now 
again as black as earth? Thou dost not mean to 
betray me ? ” 
