Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 1.djvu/356

 not less than six to one,—so much stronger in men were Eric's sons.

When King Hakon had drawn np his men, it is told of him that he threw off his armour before the battle began. So sings Eyvind Skaldaspiller:—

King Hakon selected willingly such men for his guard or court-men as were distinguished for their strength and bravery, as his father King Harald also used to do; and among these was Thoralf Skolinson the Strong, who went on one side of the king. He had helmet and shield, spear and sword; and his sword was called by the name of Footbreadth. It was said that Thoralf and King Hakon were equal in strength. Thord Siarekson speaks of it in the poem he composed concerning Thoralf: —

The king's men went with merry words

To the sharp clash of shields and swords,

When these wild rovers of the sea

At Fitiar fought. Stout Thoralf he