But the king made no sign by word or motion.

I saw Ingvar's rage growing, and he cried as his men forbore, shrinking a little from their quiet victim: "Ask for mercy, Christian, at the hands of Ingvar the godar, the priest of Odin and Thor, and you shall go free." But the king met his gaze sadly and firmly, answering: "That were to own that you have power over me through your false gods." "Power I have," said Ingvar; "ask for mercy." Thereat the king answered no word, though his lips moved, and I alone knew what his words might be, for though his hands were bound he moved his noble head in such wise as to make the sign of the Cross.

And I think that he spoke to himself the prayer of forgiveness that he had learnt therefrom.
Almost then had the Dane smitten him in the face, but to this cowardice Ingvar the king had not yet fallen.

He drew back a few paces, and took his long dagger from his belt, and at that I thought that he was going to slay the king, and I closed my eyes, praying.

But he spoke again.
"Ask for peace on the same terms for your people, if you will not for yourself." Then the king grew pale, but he set his lips close, still gazing at Ingvar.