Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 1.djvu/357

 Next to the Northmen's hero came.

Scattering wide round the battle flame

For in the storm of shields not one

Ventured like him with brave Hakon."

When both lines met there was a hard combat, and much bloodshed. The combatants threw their spears, and then drew their swords. Then King Hakon, and Thoralf with him, went in advance of the banner, cutting down on both sides of them. So says Eyvind Skaldaspiller: —

King Hakon was very conspicuous among other men, and also when the sun shone his helmet glanced, and thereby many weapons were directed at him. Then Eyvind Finnson took a hat and put it over the king's helmet. Now Eyvind Skreya called out, "Does the king of the Horsemen hide himself, or has he fled? Where is now the golden helmet? " Then Eyvind, and his brother Alf with him, pushed on like fools or mad-men. The king said, " Come on as ye are coming, and ye will find the king of the Norsemen." So says Eyvind Skaldaspiller:—