The king smiled at this stave of his, and said: “Yea, forsooth, she hath more thanks for thy winter quarters than I; yet hath she not been more friendly to thee than I.”
Then sent the king his serving-folk to fetch victuals and drink, and saith that they must eat and drink before Frithiof departed. “So arise, queen, and be joyful!” But she said she was loth to fall a-feasting so early.
“Nay, we will eat all together,” said King Ring; and they did so.
But when they had drank a while King Ring spake: “I would that thou abide here, Frithiof; for my sons are but children and I am old, and unmeet for the warding of my realm, if any should bring war against it.” Frithiof said: “Speedily must I be gone, lord.” And he sang:
“Oh, live, King Ring,
Both long and hale!
The highest king
Neath heaven's skirt!
Ward well, O king,
Thy wife and land,
For Ingibiorg now
Never more shall I meet.”
Then quoth King Ring:
“Fare not away,
O Frithiof, thus,
With downcast heart,
O dearest of chieftains!
For now will I give thee
For all thy good gifts,
Far better things
Than thou wottest thyself.”
And again he sang:
“To Frithiof the famous
My fair wife I give,
And all things therewith
That are unto me.”
Then Frithiof took up the word and sang: