So he first gathered all the wooers of Gunwar together on the pretence of a banquet, and then lined the customary room of the princess with their heads--a gruesome spectacle for all the rest.

Yet he forfeited none of his favour with Frode, nor abated his old intimacy with him.

For he decided that any opportunity of an interview with the king must be paid for, and gave out that no one should have any conversation with him who brought no presents.

Access, he announced, to so great a general must be gained by no stale or usual method, but by making interest most zealously.
He wished to lighten the scandal of his cruelty by the pretence of affection to his king.

The people, thus tormented, vented their complaint of their trouble in silent groans.