Jatgeir—You would have to search long for such a man.
King Skule [suddenly]—Will you be that man to me, Jatgeir? Will you be a son to me? You shall have Norway's crown to your heritage—the whole land shall be yours, if you will be a son to me, and live for my life work, and believe in me.
Jatgeir—And what should be my warranty that I did not feign—?
King Skule—Give up your calling in life, sing no more songs, and then will I believe you!
Jatgeir—No, lord: that were to buy the crown too dear.
King Skule—Bethink you well: 'tis greater to be a king than a skald.
Jatgeir—Not always.
King Skule—'Tis but your unsung songs you must sacrifice!
Jatgeir—Songs unsung are ever the fairest.
King Skule—But I must—I must have one who can trust in me! Only one. I feel it: had I that I were saved!