Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 2.djvu/306

 298 CHRONICLE OF THE SAGA VII. Chapter ccn. Of King Olaf. Chatter CCIII. Of King Olafs journey from Russia. that he was involved in thought, he said, "It is Monday, sire, to-morrow." The king looked at him when he heard this, and then it came into his mind what he was doing on the Sunday. Then the king ordered a lighted candle to be brought him, swept together all the shavings he had made, set them on fire, and let them burn upon his naked hand ; showing thereby that he would hold fast by God's law and commandment, and not trespass without punishment on what he knew to be right. When King Olaf had resolved on his return home, he made known his intention to King Jarisleif and Queen Ingigerd. They dissuaded him from this ex- pedition, and said he should receive as much power in their dominions as he thought desirable ; but begged him not to put himself within the reach of his enemies with so few men as he had. Then King Olaf told them of his dream ; adding, that he believed it to be God's will and providence that it should be Now when they found he was determined on so. travelling to Norway, they offered him all the assist- ance to his journey that he would accept from them. The king thanked them in many fine words for their good will ; and said that he accepted from them, with no ordinary pleasure, what might be necessary for his undertaking. Immediately after Yule, King Olaf made himself ready ; and had about 200 of his men with him. King Jarisleif gave him all the horses, and whatever else he required ; and when he was ready he set off. King Jarisleif and Queen Ingigerd parted from him with all honour ; and he left his son Magnus behind with the king. The first part of his journey, down to the sea-coast, King Olaf and his men made on the ice; but as spring approached, and the ice broke up, they rigged their vessels, and when they were ready and got a wind they set out to sea, and had a good