The king said that he could expect nought but good from Thorolf,
'because,' said he, 'I deserve nought else;
yet men tell two tales of thee as to thy being careful to win my approval.'
'I am not herein justly charged,'
said Thorolf, 'if any say I have shown disloyalty to thee.
This I think, and with truth:
That they who speak such lying slanders of me will prove to be in nowise thy friends,
but it is quite clear that they are my bitter enemies;
'tis likely, however, that they will pay dearly for it if we come to deal together.'
Then Thorolf went away.

But on the morrow Thorolf counted out the tribute in the king's presence;
and when it was all paid, he then brought out some bearskins and sables,
which he begged the king to accept. Many of the bystanders said that this
was well done and deserved friendship.
The king said that Thorolf had himself taken his own reward.
Thorolf said that he had loyally done all he could to please the king.
'But if he likes it not,' said he, 'I cannot help it: the king knows,
when I was with him and in his train, how I bore myself;
it is wonderful to me if the king thinks me other now than he proved
me to be then.'
The king answered: