and his quarrels gave rise to more talk than his gloom, for before
he had been of an even and generous temper. And when the fit
passed away he was quieter than ever.

One day he was out hunting on the fells with Helgi. They were
oftener together than ever, and his foster-brother had far more
influence with him than any other man.

They stood on a desolate hillside a little above the highest pine
woods, examining the tracks of a bear, when Helgi suddenly turned
to him and said,--

"Do you not think, Estein, you have moped and mourned long
enough?"

"They whom the gods have cursed," replied Estein, "have little
cause for laughter. What is there left for me on this earth?"

"To prove yourself a man; to accept the destiny you cannot alter;
and in time, Estein, to be a king. Are these things nothing?"

Helgi seldom spoke so gravely, and Estein for a time stood silent.
Then he exclaimed,--

"You are right, Helgi; I have acted as a beaten child. Henceforth
I shall try to look on my fate, I cannot say merrily, but at least
with a steady eye."

As another winter passed, he gradually seemed to come to himself.
He was sadder and more reserved than of yore, but the king saw