But she refused, pleading her age as her pretext, and declaring herself too stricken in years to bear so difficult a commission.

The king saw that a bribe was wanted, and, proffering a golden necklace, promised it as the reward of her embassy.

For the necklace had links consisting of studs, and figures of kings interspersed in bas-relief, which could be now separated and now drawn together by pulling a thread inside; a gewgaw devised more for luxury than use.

Frode also ordered that Westmar and Koll, with their sons, should be summoned to go on the same embassy, thinking that their cunning would avoid the shame of a rebuff.
They went with Gotwar, and were entertained by the King of the Huns at a three days' banquet, ere they uttered the purpose of their embassy.

For it was customary of old thus to welcome guests.