Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 2.djvu/268

 260 CHRONICLE OF THE saga vn. dition in summer. In autumn Erling Skialgsson went to Norway with his men, and received great presents from King Canute at parting ; but Thorer Hund remained behind in King Canute's court. With Erling went messengers from King Canute well pro- vided with money; and in winter they travelled through all the country, paying the money which King Canute had promised to many in autumn for their assistance. They gave presents in money, be- sides, to many whose friendship could be purchased for King Canute. They received much assistance in their travels from Erling. In this way it came to pass that many turned their support to King Canute, promised him their services, and agreed to oppose King Olaf. Some did this openly, but many more concealed it from the public. King Olaf heard this news, for many had something to tell him about it ; and the conversation in the court often turned upon it. Sigvat the scald made a song upon it : — fi The base traitors ply With purses of gold, Wanting to buy What is not to be sold, — The king's life and throne Wanting to buy : But our souls are our own, And to hell we'll not hie. No pleasure in heaven, As we know full well, To the traitor is given, — His soul is his hell." Often also the conversation turned upon how ill it beseemed Earl Hakon to raise his hand in arms against King Olaf, who had given him his life when he fell into the king's power ; but Sigvat was a particular friend of Earl Hakon, and when he heard the earl spoken against he sang, — " Our own court people we may blame, If they take gold to their own shame,