Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 2.djvu/262

 254 CHKONICLE OF THE SAGA VII. Chapter CLXIV. Of King Olaf and the Swedes. Chapter CLXV. Of Egil and Tove. it had a large domain, by which that place was raised very high ; and these lands have since always be- longed to it. King Canute rode down to his ships, and lay there till late in harvest with a very large army. When King Olaf and King Onund heard that King Canute had sailed to the Sound, and lay there with a great force, the kings held a House-thing, and spoke much about what resolution they should adopt. King Olaf wished they should remain there with all the fleet, and see what King Canute would at last resolve to do. But the Swedes held it to be unadvisable to remain until the frost set in, and so it was determined ; and King Onund went home with all his army, and King Olaf remained lying after them. While King Olaf lay there, he had frequently con- ferences and consultations with his people. One night Egill Hallsson and Tove Valgautsson had the watch upon the king's ship. Tove came from West Got- land, and was a man of high birth. While they sat on watch they heard much lamentation and crying among the people who had been taken in the war, and who lay bound on the shore at night. Tove said it made him ill to hear such distress, and asked Egill to go with him and let loose these people. This work they set about, cut the cords, and let the people escape, and they looked upon it as a piece of great friendship ; but the king was so enraged at it, that they themselves were in the greatest danger. When Egill afterwards fell sick the king for a long time would not visit him, until many people entreated it of him. It vexed Egill much to have done any thing the king was angry at, and he begged his forgiveness. The king now dismissed his wrath against Egill, laid his hands upon the side on which EgilTs pain was, and sang a prayer; upon which the pain ceased in- stantly, and Egill grew better. Tove came, after