Havelok the Dane - A Legend of Old Grimsby and Lincoln by Charles W. (Charles Watts) Whistler
page 299 of 333 (89%)
page 299 of 333 (89%)
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the land for Havelok.
Then Sigurd sat on the steps of the high place at Havelok's feet, and the king said, "I have no need to tell any man here who this is, and why I think him worthy of the highest honour, for all know him and his worth as well as I. Mainly by him was the thought of my return kept in the minds of men, so that when the time came all were ready to hail me, as you have done. Therefore, as by him I am king, so I make him king also for me. He shall rule all the land while I am away, and to him shall all men account as to me. And because it is right that his kingship should be certain, I give him all his jarldom as a kingdom from henceforth, only subject to me and my heirs as overlord. King therefore he is, and none can say that you are ruled by naught but a jarl." Then Havelok girt on the new king's sword, and set his own crowned helm on his head for a moment; and all the Thing hailed him gladly, for he was the right man without doubt. Then Sigurd did homage for his new honour; and after that he rose up, and grew red and uneasy, as if there was somewhat that he wished to say, and was half afraid to do so. Thereat some friend in the hall said, "You take your kingship worse than did Radbard himself, as it seems. What is amiss?" "Why, I wanted to go on the Viking path with Havelok, and now it seems that I cannot." Then one shouted, "I never heard of a land going wrong while its king was away risking his life to get property for his men. There is no man |
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