But be this as it may, it is quite clear that he sunk in
the estimation of his countrymen, and the feeling against him became
so strong, that he was obliged to fly to Norway. He returned,
however, in 1239, and in two years afterwards he was assassinated by
his own son-in-law. The work by which he is chiefly known is the
Heimskringla, or Chronicle of the Sea-Kings of Norway, one of the
most valuable pieces of northern history, which has been admirably
translated into English by Mr. Samuel Laing. This curious name of
Heimskringla was given to the work because it contains the words
with which begins, and means literally the circle of the world. -
ED.]
{40} A translation of this poem will be found in the Appendix.
[Not included in this Gutenberg eText - DP]
{41} In Iceland, as in Denmark, it is the custom to keep the dead a
week above ground. It may be readily imagined that to a non-
Icelandic sense of smell, it is an irksome task to be present at a
burial from beginning to end, and especially in summer. But I will
not deny that the continued sensation may have partly proceeded from
imagination.
{42} Every one in Iceland rides.
{43} I cannot forbear mentioning a curious circumstance here. When
I was at the foot of Mount Etna in 1842, the fiery element was
calmed; some months after my departure it flamed with renewed force.
When, on my return from Hecla, I came to Reikjavik, I said jocularly
that it would be most strange if this Etna of the north should also
have an eruption now. Scarcely had I left Iceland more than five
weeks when an eruption, more violent than the former one, really
took place. This circumstance is the more remarkable, as it had
been in repose for eighty years, and was already looked upon as a
burnt-out volcano. If I were to return to Iceland now, I should be
looked upon as a prophetess of evil, and my life would scarcely be
safe.
{44} Every peasant in tolerably good circumstances carries a little
tent with him when he leaves home for a few days. These tents are,
at the utmost, three feet high, five or six feet long, and three
broad.
{45} "Though their poverty disables them from imitating the
hospitality of their ancestors in all respects, yet the desire of
doing it still exists: they cheerfully give away the little they
have to spare, and express the utmost joy and satisfaction if you
are pleased with the gift." Uno von Troil, 1772.
