King Eystein had also effected much in the country that was useful while King Sigurd was on his journey.He established a monastery at Nordnes in Bergen, and endowed it with much property.He also built Michael's church, which is a very splendid stone temple.In the king's house there he also built the Church of the Apostles, and the great hall, which is the most magnificent wooden structure that was ever built in Norway.He also built a church at Agdanes with a parapet; and a harbour, where formerly there had been a barren spot only.In Nidaros he built in the king's street the church of Saint Nikolas, which was particularly ornamented with carved work, and all in wood.He also built a church north in Vagar in Halogaland, and endowed it with property and revenues.
16.OF KING EYSTEIN.
King Eystein sent a verbal message to the most intelligent and powerful of the men of Jamtaland, and invited them to him;received them all as they came with great kindness; accompanied them part of the way home, and gave them presents, and thus enticed them into a friendship with him.Now as many of them became accustomed to visit him and receive gifts from him, and he also sent gifts to some who did not come themselves, he soon gained the favour of all the people who had most influence in the country.Then he spoke to the Jamtaland people, and told them they had done ill in turning away from the kings of Norway, and withdrawing from them their taxes and allegiance.He began by saying how the Jamtaland people had submitted to the reign of Hakon, the foster-son of Athelstane, and had long afterwards been subjected to the kings of Norway, and he represented to them how many useful things they could get from Norway, and how inconvenient it was for them to apply to the Swedish king for what they needed.By these speeches he brought matters so far that the Jamtaland people of their own accord offered to be subject to him, which they said was useful and necessary for them; and thus, on both sides, it was agreed that the Jamtalanders should put their whole country under King Eystein.
The first beginning was with the men of consequence, who persuaded the people to take an oath of fidelity to King Eystein;and then they went to King Eystein and confirmed the country to him by oath; and this arrangement has since continued for a long time.King Eystein thus conquered Jamtaland by his wisdom, and not by hostile inroads, as some of his forefathers had done.
17.OF KING EYSTEIN'S PERFECTIONS.
King Eystein was the handsomest man that could be seen.He had blue open eyes; his hair yellow and curling; his stature not tall, but of the middle size.He was wise, intelligent, and acquainted with the laws and history.He had much knowledge of mankind, was quick in counsel, prudent in words, and very eloquent and very generous.He was very merry, yet modest; and was liked and beloved, indeed, by all the people.He was married to Ingebjorg, a daughter of Guthorm, son of Thorer of Steig; and their daughter was Maria, who afterwards married Gudbrand Skafhogson.
18.OF IVAR INGIMUNDSON.
King Eystein had in many ways improved the laws and priveleges of the country people, and kept strictly to the laws; and he made himself acquainted with all the laws of Norway, and showed in everything great prudence and understanding.What a valuable man King Eystein was, how full of friendship, and how much he turned his mind to examining and avoiding everything that could be of disadvantage to his friends, may be seen from his friendship to an Iceland man called Ivar Ingimundson.The man was witty, of great family, and also a poet.The king saw that Ivar was out of spirits, and asked him why he was so melancholy."Before, when thou wast with us, we had much amusement with thy conversation.
I know thou art a man of too good an understanding to believe that I would do anything against thee.Tell me then what it is."He replied, "I cannot tell thee what it is."Then said the king, "I will try to guess what it is.Are there any men who displease thee?"To this he replied, "No.""Dost thou think thou art held in less esteem by me than thou wouldst like to be?"To this he also replied, "No.""Hast thou observed anything whatever that has made an impression on thee at which thou art ill pleased?"He replied, it was not this either.
The king: "Would you like to go to other chiefs or to other men?"To this he answered, "No."The king: "It is difficult now to guess.Is there any girl here, or in any other country, to whom thy affections are engaged?"He said it was so.
The king said, "Do not be melancholy on that account.Go to Iceland when spring sets in, and I shall give thee money, and presents, and with these my letters and seal to the men who have the principal sway there; and I know no man there who will not obey my persuasions or threats."Ivar replied, "My fate is heavier, sire; for my own brother has the girl."Then said the king, "Throw it out of thy mind; and I know a counsel against this.After Yule I will travel in guest-quarters.Thou shalt come along with me, and thou will have an opportunity of seeing many beautiful girls; and, provided they are not of the royal stock, I will get thee one of them in marriage."Ivar replies, "Sire, my fate is still the heavier; for as oft as I see beautiful and excellent girls I only remember the more that girl, and they increase my misery."The king: "Then I will give thee property to manage, and estates for thy amusement."He replied, "For that I have no desire."The king: "Then I will give thee money, that thou mayest travel in other countries."He said he did not wish this.
