Proudly she strode and ably ’neath our feet
Never before had Norseman come so far amain,
Yet saith the Maid of the gold-rings in Garda that she scorns me.’
¶ By this, allusion made he to Ellisif, the daughter of King Jarizleif of Holmgard.
¶ When Harald was come to Holmgard did King Jarizleif receive him with exceeding great kindness, and there abode he the winter through; at that time, moreover, took he into his own keeping all the gold and various other precious goods which he had sent thither out of Miklagard. So much wealth was indeed collected together, that no one there in the north had seen so great an amount before in the ownership of one man. On three occasions[§] the while he was in Miklagard had Harald ta’en his share in the spoiling of palaces, for it was a law that every time a Greek King died the Vaerings should have palace-spoil; at that hour might they go through all the palaces of the King, wherein his hoards of wealth were garnered, and take at will as much as ever they could lay hands on.
¶ That winter gave King Jarizleif to Harald his daughter in wedlock, her name was Elizabeth but Norwegians called her Ellisif. To this Stuf the Blind is witness in the following:
‘The alliance that he wished
Gat the prince of the Agdirs;
Gold amain won the friend of the men,
And to boot the King’s daughter.’