Page:The Early Kings of Norway.djvu/139

 REIGN OF KING OLAP THE SAINT. 129 along with Olaf, or some way ahead of him, came immeasurable roaring waste of waters upon Knut's negligent fleet ; shattered, broke and stranded many of his ships, and was within a trifle of destroying the Golden Dragon herself, with Knut on board. Olaf and Onund, we need not say, were promptly there in person, doing their very best; the railings of the Golden Dragon, however, were too high for their little ships ; and Jarl Ulf, husband of Knut's sister, at the top of his speed, courageously intervening, spoiled their stratagem, and saved Knut from this very dangerous pass. Knut did nothing more this winter. The two !N'orse kings, quite unequal to attack such an arma- ment, except by ambush and engineering, sailed away ; again plundering at discretion on the Danish coast ; carrying into Sweden great booties and many prisoners ; but obliged to lie fixed all winter ; and indeed to leave their fleets there for a series of winters, — Knut's fleet, posted at Elsinore on both- sides of the Sound, rendering all egress from the- Baltic impossible, except at his pleasure. Ulf'& opportune deliverance of his royal brother-in-law did