Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 2.djvu/263

 KiJNGS OF NORWAY. 255 entreaty, into reconciliation with the king, on condi- saga vn. tion that he should exhort his father Valgaut to come to the king. He was a heathen; but after conversa- tion with the king he went over to Christianity, and died instantly when he was baptized. King Olaf had now frequent conferences with his Chapter people, and asked advice from them, and from his Treachery chiefs, as to what he should determine upon. But i°y ard s „ , . ., . King Olaf. there was no unanimity among them — some consi- dering that unadvisable which others considered highly serviceable ; and there was much indecision in their councils. King Canute had always spies in King Olaf 's army, who entered into conversation with many of his men, offering them presents and favour on ac- count of King Canute. Many allowed themselves to be seduced, and gave promises of fidelity, and to be King Canute's men, and bring the country into his hands if he came to Norway. This was apparent, after- wards, of many who at first kept it concealed. Some took at once money bribes, and others were promised money afterwards ; and a great many there were who had got great presents of money from him before : for it may be said with truth of King Canute, that every man who came to him, and who he thought had the spirit of a man and would like his favour, got his hands full of gifts and money. On this account he was very popular, although his generosity was prin- cipally shown to foreigners, and was greatest the greater distance they came from. King Olaf had often conferences and meetings chapter with his people, and asked their counsel; but as he k£* vil observed they gave different opinions, he had a sus- om's con- picion that there must be some who spoke differently from what they really thought advisable for him, and he was thus uncertain if all gave him due fidelity in council. Some pressed that with the first fair wind they should sail to the Sound, and so to Norway.