When King Sigurd sailed into Constantinople, he steered near the land.Over all the land there are burghs, castles, country towns, the one upon the other without interval.There from the land one could see into the bights of the sails; and the sails stood so close beside each other, that they seemed to form one enclosure.All the people turned out to see King Sigurd sailing past.The Emperor Kirjalax had also heard of King Sigurd's expedition, and ordered the city port of Constantinople to be opened, which is called the Gold Tower, through which the emperor rides when he has been long absent from Constantinople, or has made a campaign in which he has been victorious.The emperor had precious cloths spread out from the Gold Tower to Laktjarna, which is the name of the emperor's most splendid hall.King Sigurd ordered his men to ride in great state into the city, and not to regard all the new things they might see; and this they did.King Sigurd and his followers rode with this great splendour into Constantinople, and then came to the magnificent hall, where everything was in the grandest style.
King Sigurd remained here some time.The Emperor Kirjalax sent his men to him to ask if he would rather accept from the emperor six lispund of gold, or would have the emperor give the games in his honour which the emperor was used to have played at the Padreim.King Sigurd preferred the games, and the messengers said the spectacle would not cost the emperor less than the money offered.Then the emperor prepared for the games, which were held in the usual way; but this day everything went on better for the king than for the queen; for the queen has always the half part in the games, and their men, therefore, always strive against each other in all games.The Greeks accordingly think that when the king's men win more games at the Padreim than the queen's, the king will gain the victory when he goes into battle.
People who have been in Constantinople tell that the Padreim is thus constructed: -- A high wall surrounds a flat plain, which may be compared to a round bare Thing-place, with earthen banks all around at the stone wall, on which banks the spectators sit;but the games themselves are in the flat plain.There are many sorts of old events represented concerning the Asas, Volsungs, and Giukungs, in these games; and all the figures are cast in copper, or metal, with so great art that they appear to be living things; and to the people it appears as if they were really present in the games.The games themselves are so artfully and cleverly managed, that people appear to be riding in the air; and at them also are used shot-fire (1), and all kinds of harp-playing, singing, and music instruments.
ENDNOTES:
(1) Fireworks, or the Greek fire, probably were used.-- L.
12.SIGURD AND THE EMPEROR OF CONSTANTINOPLE.
It is related that King Sigurd one day was to give the emperor a feast, and he ordered his men to provide sumptuously all that was necessary for the entertainment; and when all things were provided which are suitable for an entertainment given by a great personage to persons of high dignity, King Sigurd ordered his men to go to the street in the city where firewood was sold, as they would require a great quantity to prepare the feast.They said the king need not be afraid of wanting firewood, for every day many loads were brought into the town.When it was necessary, however, to have firewood, it was found that it was all sold, which they told the king.He replied, "Go and try if you can get walnuts.They will answer as well as wood for fuel."They went and got as many as they needed.Now came the emperor, and his grandees and court, and sat down to table.All was very splendid; and King Sigurd received the emperor with great state, and entertained him magnificently.When the queen and the emperor found that nothing was wanting, she sent some persons to inquire what they had used for firewood; and they came to a house filled with walnuts, and they came back and told the queen.
"Truly," said she, "this is a magnificent king, who spares no expense where his honour is concerned." She had contrived this to try what they would do when they could get no firewood to dress their feast with.
14.KING SIGURD THE CRUSADER'S RETURN HOME.
King Sigurd soon after prepared for his return home.He gave the emperor all his ships; and the valuable figureheads which were on the king's ships were set up in Peter's church, where they have since been to be seen.The emperor gave the king many horses and guides to conduct him through all his dominions.Then King Sigurd left Constantinople; but a great many Northmen remained, and went into the emperor's pay.Then King Sigurd traveled from Bulgaria, and through Hungary, Pannonia.Suabia, and Bavaria, where he met the Roman emperor, Lotharius, who received him in the most friendly way, gave him guides through his dominions, and had markets established for him at which he could purchase all he required.When King Sigurd came to Slesvik in Denmark, Earl Eilif made a sumptuous feast for him; and it was then midsummer.
In Heidaby he met the Danish king, Nikolas, who received him in the most friendly way, made a great entertainment for him, accompanied him north to Jutland, and gave him a ship provided with everything needful.From thence the king returned to Norway, and was joyfully welcomed on his return to his kingdom (A.D.1110).It was the common talk among the people, that none had ever made so honourable a journey from Norway as this of King Sigurd.He was twenty years of age, and had been three years on these travels.His brother Olaf was then twelve years old.
15.EYSTEIN'S DOINGS IN THE MEANTIME.