ERIC BLOOD- AXE AND BROTHERS. 15

situated, how built, whether with logs like Harald's, I cannot specifically say), into Athelstan's high pre- sence, and silently set the wild little cherub upon Athelstan's knee. " What is this? asked Athelstan, looking at the little cherub. " This is King Harald's son, whom a serving maid bore to him, and whom he now gives thee as foster-child ! " Indignant Athel- stan drew his sword, as if to do the gift a mischief ; but Hauk said, '^ Thou hast taken him on thy knee " (common symbol of adoption) ; " thou canst kill him if thou wilt ; but thou dost not thereby kill all the sons of Harald." Athelstan straightway took milder thoughts ; brought up, and carefully educated Hakon; from whom, and this singular] adventure, came, before very long, the first tidings of Christianity into !N"orway. Harald Haarfagr, latterly withdrawn from all kinds of business, died at the age of eighty-three — about A.D. 933, as is computed; nearly contemporary in death with the first Danish King, Gorm the Old, who had done a corresponding feat in reducing Den- mark under one head. Remarkable old men, these two first kings ; and possessed of gifts for bringing^ ^