With the returning spring, however, all his former spirits returned, for both kings came to visit him, accompanied by their fair sister, with whom he lived over the happy childish years, and spent long hours in cheerful companionship.

As they were thus constantly thrown together, Frithiof soon made known to Ingeborg his deep affection, and received in return an avowal of her love.
"He sat by her side, and he pressed her soft hand, And he felt a soft pressure responsive and bland; Whilst his love-beaming gaze Was returned as the sun's in the moon's placid rays." TEGNER, _Frithiof Saga_ (Longfellow's tr.).
[Sidenote: Frithiof's suit.] When the visit was over and the guests had departed, Frithiof informed his confidant and chief companion, Bjoern, of his determination to follow them and openly ask for Ingeborg's hand.

His ship was prepared, and after a swift sail touched the shore near Balder's shrine.

Discerning the royal brothers seated in state on Bele's tomb to listen to the petitions of their subjects, Frithiof immediately presented himself before them, and manfully made his request, adding that the old king had always loved him and would surely have granted his prayer.
"They were seated on Bele's tomb, and o'er The common folk administered law.
But Frithiof speaks, And his voice re-echoes round valleys and peaks.
"'Ye kings, my love is Ingborg fair; To ask her in marriage I here repair; And what I require I here maintain was King Bele's desire.
"'He let us grow in Hilding's care, Like two young saplings, year by year; And therefore, kings, Unite the full-grown trees with golden rings.'" TEGNER, _Frithiof Saga_ (Spalding's tr.).
But although he promised lifelong fealty and the service of his strong right arm in exchange for the boon he craved, Helge contemptuously dismissed him.

Enraged at the insult thus publicly received, Frithiof raised his invincible sword; but, remembering that he stood on a consecrated spot, he spared the king, only cutting the royal shield in two to show the strength of his blade, and striding back to his ship, he embarked and sailed away in sullen silence.
"And lo! cloven in twain at a stroke Fell King Helge's gold shield from its pillar of oak: At the clang of the blow, The live started above, the dead started below." TEGNER, _Frithiof Saga_ (Longfellow's tr.).
[Sidenote: Sigurd Ring a suitor.] Just after his departure came messengers from Sigurd Ring, the aged King of Ringric, in Norway, who, having lost his wife, sent to Helge and Halfdan to ask Ingeborg's hand in marriage.