But though he was so wise, he had an evil heart, and he soon determined to use the young Sigurd for his own ends.
So one day he began to instil a spirit of discontent within the lad, asking him if he knew how much wealth his father Sigmund had and who now had it in charge.
And the boy answered: "The king himself has it in charge."
"Dost thou then trust him so utterly?" sneered Regin.
"It is but right he should have it so," answered Sigurd, "for he knows better how to guard it than I."
So Regin waited awhile, and then tried again, saying: "Surely it is a marvellous thing that thou, a king's son, should run about on thy feet like a horse-boy, and do the bidding of King Alf!"
"That is not so," said Sigurd, "for I have my way in all things, and whatever I desire is granted to me."
"Well, then," said Regin, "ask for a horse for thyself."
"Yes," said the boy; "and that shall I have when I have need of such a thing."
After this Sigurd went to the king, who smiled on him and said: "What wilt thou of me?"