those strangers who must needs come into the church in helm and
mail, with axe and shield hung on shoulders. Moreover, for that
reason, when men bade you depart and you went not, they even let
you bide. So I asked your name--and now I can answer for it that
Lodbrok Jarl you are."

And he held out his hand for the Dane to kiss, after our custom.
But Lodbrok grasped and shook it heartily, saying:

"Thanks, Lord King, for that remembrance, and maybe also for a
little forgetfulness."

Nor was Eadmund displeased with the freedom, but at that last
saying he laughed outright.

"Kings have both to remember and forget," he said, "and maybe, if
the citizens had not expected you to behave as wild vikings, you
would have gone peacefully as you came?"

"That is the truth," said Lodbrok.

So I suppose there had been some fray, of little moment, with the
London folk.

Then we followed the king into the hall; and Lodbrok and I together
sat at table over against him. Soon I knew all that an hour or two
of pleasant talk would teach me of his home and sons and sports,
and the king asked now and again of Danish customs, not yet
speaking of the voyage.