Page:The Early Kings of Norway.djvu/177

 MAGNUS THE GOOD AND OTHERS. 167 Magnus, on first hearing of Vajringer Harald and his intentions, made instant equipment, and deter- mination to fight his uttermost against the same. But wise persons of influence round him, as did the Hkc sort round Yaeringer Harald, earnestly advised compromise and peaceable agreement. Which, soon after that of Svein's noctural battle-axe, was the course adopted ; and, to the joy of all parties, did prove a successful solution. Magnus agreed to part his kingdom with Uncle Harald ; uncle parting his treasures, or uniting them with Magnus's poverty. Each was to be an independent king, but they were to govern in common; Magnus rather presiding. He, to sit, for example in the High Seat alone; King Harald opposite him in a seat not quite so high, though if a stranger King came on a visit, both the Norse Kings were to sit in the High Seat. With various other punctilious regulations ; which the fiery Magnus was extremely strict with ; rendering the mutual relation a very dangerous one, had not both the Kings been honest men, and Harald a much more prudent and tolerant one than Magnus. They, on the whole, never had any weighty quarrel,