Part 42 - Hauk's Journey To England

The following summer King Harald sent a ship westward to England, and gave the command of it to Hauk Habrok. He was a great warrior, and very dear to the king. Into his hands he gave his son Hakon. Hank proceeded westward tn England, and found King Athelstan in London, where there was just at the time a great feast and entertainment.

When they came to the hall, Hauk told his men how they should conduct themselves; namely, that he who went first in should go last out, and all should stand in a row at the table, at equal distance from each other; and each should have his sword at his left side, but should fasten his cloak so that his sword should not be seen.

Then they went into the hall, thirty in number. Hauk went up to the king and saluted him, and the king bade him welcome. Then Hauk took the child Hakon, and set it on the king's knee. The king looks at the boy, and asks Hauk what the meaning of this is.

Hauk replies,

"Herald the king bids thee foster his servant-girl's child."

The king was in great anger, and seized a sword which lay beside him, and drew it, as if he was going to kill the child. Hauk says,

"Thou hast borne him on thy knee, and thou canst murder him if thou wilt; but thou wilt not make an end of all King Harald's sons by so doing."

On that Hauk went out with all his men, and took the way direct to his ship, and put to sea, — for they were ready, — and came back to King Harald.

The king was highly pleased with this; for it is the common observation of all people, that the man who fosters another's children is of less consideration than the other. From these transactions between the two kings, it appears that each wanted to be held greater than the other; but in truth there was no injury, to the dignity of either, for each was the upper king in his own kingdom till his dying day.