"Now it all comes into my mind," he said; "you are the leader of 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.
"For," said he, "it is ill recalling hardships until the feast is over. Then may one enjoy the telling."
Presently the gleemen sang to us; and after that the harp went round, that those who could might sing, and all the talk in hall was hushed to hear Eadmund himself, the men setting down ale cups and knives to listen, for he had a wondrously sweet voice, and sang from the ancient songs of Caedmon {[iv]}. Then I sang of the sea--some song I had made and was proud of, and it pleased all. And at length we looked at Lodbrok, wondering if he could take his turn.