Irish wolfhound, by Edwin Landseer (1802–1873).
WHILE Olaf was in Ireland he was once on an expedition which went by sea. As they required to make a foray for provisions on the coast, some of his men landed, and drove down a large herd of cattle to the strand. Now a peasant came up, and entreated Olaf to give him back the cows that belonged to him. Olaf told him to take his cows, if he could distinguish them; “but don't delay our march.”
The peasant had with him a large house-dog, which he put in among the herd of cattle, in which many hundred head of beasts were driven together. The dog ran into the herd, and drove out exactly the number which the peasant had said he wanted; and all were marked with the same mark, which showed that the dog knew the right beasts, and was very sagacious.
Olaf then asked the peasant if he would sell him the dog. “I would rather give him to you,” said the peasant. Olaf immediately presented him with a gold ring in return, and promised him his friendship in future. This dog was called Vige, and was the very best of dogs, and Olaf owned him long afterwards.
Précis
In about 988, Olaf Tryggvason watched in astonishment as a dog named Vige picked out his owner’s cattle from a much larger herd. Such was the dog’s accuracy and speed that Olaf offered to buy him, but Vige’s master insisted on making a present of him. The two men became fast friends, and Vige remained Olaf’s faithful companion ever after. (59 / 60 words)