Then leading him to a place beside him on the high-seat, he called on all his warriors to fill their horns and beakers and drink to Thorsten’s memory, while the hall rang to the sound of harps, as minstrels praised that hero’s glorious deeds. Meanwhile Augantyr questioned his guest concerning matters in the Northland; and in well-chosen words, avoiding either praise or blame, Frithiof related all that had passed, concluding with his voyage and the terrible sea witches against whose power they had been forced to contend. So eloquently did he describe their adventures that Augantyr listened with approving smiles, and the bold champions about the board often interrupted the speaker with their shouts. Then Augantyr inquired the purpose of his voyage, and Frithiof told him frankly of his love for Ingeborg, of Helge’s arrogance, and the penance that had been laid upon him. “For this have I come,” he concluded, “to demand of thee in behalf of Kings Helge and Halfdan, the tribute thou wast wont to pay in Bele’s lifetime.” Calmly Augantyr replied: “Never have I owned another as my lord. Free do I live; free also are my people about these seas. What I sent Bele was not enforced, but given in friendship. His sons I know not. If they would have tribute from me, let them demand it with the sword—then shall they have the best of answers! Yet thy father was my friend.” He beckoned to his daughter, who sat near him on a golden stool, and she hastened to the women’s chamber, soon returning with a purse whereon was worked with rare skill a green forest scene—animals of gold wandered beneath the trees, and above shone a silver moon. The tassels were strung with costly pearls, the clasp enriched with rubies. Augantyr took this purse, filled it to the brim with pieces of gold, and handed it to his guest, saying, “Take this as a gift of welcome, son of Thorsten, and do with it as thou wilt; but as for claim, I refuse to acknowledge any such. Hear now my wish: tarry thou here till Spring comes, as my honored guest. Courage and boldness stand thee well in time of danger, it is true, yet think not thine ‘Ellida’ may withstand all the perils of the stormy season. And remember there are demons in the sea more mighty yet than those which thou didst vanquish.” To this Frithiof gladly agreed, and he held out his hand to his hospitable host, saying: “Be it, then, as thou wilt!” Chapter XII Frithiof’s Return