Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 2.djvu/383

 KINGS OF NORWAY. 375 And, if the people do not lie, saga viii. The new laws turn out not nigh So just and mild, as the laws given At Ulversound in face of heaven. "Dread king! who urges thee to break Thy pledged word, and back to take Thy promise given ? Thou warrior bold ! With thy own people word to hold, Thy promise fully to maintain, Is to thyself the greatest gain: The battle-storm raiser he Must by his own men trusted be. " Who urges thee, who seek'st renown, The bonders' cattle to cut down ? No king before e'er took in hand Such viking-work in his own land. Such rapine men will not long bear, And the king's counsellors will but share In their ill-will: when once inflamed, The king himself for all is blamed. " Be cautious, with this news of treason Flying about — give them no reason. We hang the thief, but then we use Consideration of the excuse. I think, great king (who wilt rejoice Eagle and wolf with battle voice), It would be wise not to oppose Thy bonders, and make them thy foes. iC A dangerous sign it is, I fear, That old grey-bearded men appear In corners whispering at the Thing, As if they had bad news to bring. The young sit still, — no laugh, or shout, — More looks than words passing about ; And groups of whispering heads are seen, On buttoned breasts, with lowering mien. " Among the udalmen, they say The king, if he could have his way, Would seize the bonders' udal land, And free-born men must this withstand. In truth the man whose udal field, By any doom that law can yield From him adjudged the king would take, Could the king's throne and power shake." B B 4