Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 2.djvu/301

 KINGS OF NORWAY. 293 choose, — either to depart in peace from thy property, saga vil and wander about as thy comrade Olaf is doing ; or, which is evidently better, to accept King Canute's and Earl Hakon' s friendship, become their man, and take the oaths of fealty to them. Receive now thy re- ward." And he displayed to him a large bag full of English money. Biorn was a man fond of money, and self-interested ; and when he saw the silver he was silent r and reflected with himself what resolution he should take. It seemed to him much to abandon his property, as he did not think it probable that King Olaf would ever have a rising in his favour in Norway. Now when the messenger saw that Biorn's inclinations were turned t wards the money, he threw down two thick gold rings, and said, " Take the money at once, Biorn, and swear the oaths to King Canute ; for I can pro- mise thee that this money is but a trifle, compared to what thou wilt receive if thou followest King Canute." By the heap of money, the fine promises, and the great presents, he was led by covetousness, took the money, went into King Canute's service, and gave the oaths of fealty to King Canute and Earl Hakon, and then the messengers departed. When Biorn heard the tidings that Earl Hakon Chapter was missing he soon altered his mind, and was much of Biorn vexed with himself for havinsr been a traitor in his the mar - o snal s fidelity to King Olaf. He thought, now, that he was journey, freed from the oath by which he had bound himself to Earl Hakon. It seemed to Biorn that now there was some hope that King Olaf might again come to the throne of Norway if he came back, as the country was without a head. Biorn therefore immediately made himself ready to travel, and took some men with him. He then set out on his journey, travelling night and day, on horseback when he could, and by u 3