Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 2.djvu/319

 KINGS OF NORWAY. 311 had then God's honour to defend. But this treason saga vn. against their sovereign is a much less grievous crime, although it does not become men who have any man- hood in them to break the faith and vows they have sworn to me. Now, however, it is more in my power to spare those who have dealt ill with me, than those whom God hated. I will, therefore, that my people proceed gently, and commit no ravage. First, I will proceed to meet the bonders : if we can then come to a reconciliation, it is well ; but if they will fight with us, then there are two things before us: either we fail in the battle, and then it will be well advised not to have to retire encumbered with spoil and cattle ; or we gain the victory, and then ye will be the heirs of all who fight now against us : for some will fall, and others will fiy, but both will have forfeited their goods and properties, and then it will be good to enter into full houses and well-stocked farms ; but what is burnt is of use to no man, and with pillage and force more is wasted than what turns to use. Now we will spread out far through the inhabited places, and take with us all the men we can find able to carry arms. The men will also capture cattle for slaughter, or whatever else of provision that can serve for food ; but not do any other ravage. But I will see willingly that ye kill any spies of the bonder army ye may fall in with. Dag and his people shall go by the north side down along the valley, and I will go on along the country road, and so we shall meet in the evening, and all have one night quarter." It is related that when King Olaf drew up his men Chapter . . . CCXVIIT in battle order, he made a shield rampart with his ofKinj troop that should defend him in battle, for which he selected the strongest and boldest. Thereafter he called his scalds, and ordered them to go in within the shield defence. " Ye shall," says the king, " re- main here, and see the circumstances which may take x 4 Olaf's scalds