But Frithiof was silent in her presence, for he had no words save "I love thee" in his mind. After this festival, the two kings turned home again in deeper wrath than ever, for they saw how all men loved Frithiof and had him in honour. But after their departure, Frithiof grew silent and sad of countenance, and when his foster-brother Björn questioned him as to the cause he answered: "Sad am I because I love the Princess Ingeborg with all my heart, and now would I ask for her in marriage. But I am not of royal birth, and much I fear that my suit will be refused." "Let us at least make trial," said practical Björn; and so, together with a band of followers, they set off in the swift dragon-ship _Ellida_ to the strand where, upon their father's burial mound, the kings sat in judgment with their people. Then Frithiof stood forth and in manly words made his request for the hand of Ingeborg the Fair. But the kings said scornfully: "Think not that we would give our sister to a peasant's son. She is for a proud Northland chieftain, not for such as you, though all men may boast of your wondrous deeds." "Then," said Frithiof, in slow-gathering wrath, "my errand is soon finished. Remember, that if this is your final answer, I will never give you help in trouble, however much you may require it." "Our kingdom requires not your service," they answered jeeringly, "we can protect it ourselves. But if you need employment, why, we can give you a servant's place among our household men." Then Frithiof reared his great head, saying proudly: "No man of yours am I, but, as my father was, I am a man for myself. And now, were it not for the honour I bear to our fathers' graves, your words would cost you dear. Hereafter come not within range of my sword." And as he spoke, with one blow he cleft the golden war shield of Helge with his good sword, and the two halves fell clashing to the ground. CHAPTER XXII Frithiof and Ingeborg _This is the tale the Northmen tell of how Ingeborg went to dwell in Balder's grove._ Far in the south of that land lived a mighty ruler, whose name was Ring. Wise was he, and king of a land like the groves of the gods, where the corn crops waved each year and peace and justice flourished within its borders. For thirty years had he ruled his kingdom, and each year his people rose up and called him blessed. Now one day this king sat deep in thought upon his golden chair, and when he at length pushed it back from the board, his chieftains rose up gladly to hear his words. And the king said: "It is now a weary while since the queen, my wife, left me sorrowful upon the earth and went to dwell in the bowers of the blessed ones in Asgard. Never again shall I find a queen so good and fair; but my children cry to me for a mother's care and I must seek another wife for their sake.