November 6.
I had on my "bad-weather clothes” at Quebec like Olaf Trygvesson, the Northman, when he went to Thing in England.
H. D. Thoreau, Journal, November 6, 1851
"Bad-weather clothes” See April 22, 1856 ("It is highly important to invent a dress which will enable us to be abroad with impunity in the severest storms."); February 15, 1857 (“Never under take to ascend a mountain or thread a wilderness where there is any danger of being lost, without taking thick clothing, partly india-rubber, if not a tent or material for one; the best map to be had and a compass.”)
On September 25,1850, Thoreau and Ellery Channing
started on a week's tour in Canada, styling themselves the “Knights of the Umbrella and the Bundle:” .
As we were going out, we met the Yankees coming in, in a body, headed by a red-coated officer called the commandant, and escorted by many citizens, both English and French Canadian. I therefore immediately fell into the procession, and went round the citadel again with more intelligent guides, carrying, as before, all my effects with me. Seeing that nobody walked with the red-coated commandant, I attached myself to him, and though I was not what is called well-dressed, he did not know whether to repel me or not, for I talked like one who was not aware of any deficiency in that respect. Probably there was not one among all the Yankees who went to Canada this time, who was not more splendidly dressed than I was. It would have been a poor story if I had not enjoyed some distinction. I had on my "bad-weather clothes," like Olaf Trygesson the Northman, when he went to the Thing in England, where, by the way, he won his bride..
Yankee in Canada (1866)
Olaf Trygvesson, the Northman, when he went to Thing in England:
And forasmuch as she would choose herself a husband was this Thing convened. Thereto likewise came Alwin decked out in his best raiment, and many others were there apparelled also in their best. Now Olaf too was come thither, & he was clad in his bad -weather raiment, wearing a cloak exceeding rough; and he stood with his followers somewhat aloof from the others. Gyda walked hither & thither among the men , gazing a each one favoured in her eyes; but when she was come to where Olaf held his ground looked she searchingly up into his face and asked of what manner of man was he . Then did he make answer that he was Oli, and said: ' I am not of the country born nor bred . ' Saith Gyda : Wilt thou have me? Even upon that then will I choose thee. ' ' I will not say nay to it , ' quoth he , and asked her name and lineage. “ I am ' said she 'a King's daughter of Ireland, but I was wedded into this country, to an earl who held dominion here. Since the time that he died have I ruled the land; divers men have wooed me, but none that I would wed & my name is Gyda.'-- Youthful was she and fair, and Olaf and she communed over this matter even until they became of one accord and thereafter was Olaf bethrothed to Gyda.THE SAGA OF OLAF TRYGGVASON
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