Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 2.djvu/402

 394 CHRONICLE OF THE saga vin. Fell to my share of spoil by lot; And something more i' the south I got : (There all the summer swords were ringing:) A helm, gay arms, and gear worth bringing, Home to my quiet lovely one I sent — with news how we had won." Swend fled up to Scania with all the men who escaped with him; and King Magnus and his people drove the fugitives up through the country, without meeting any opposition either from Swend's men or the bonders. So says Thiodolf : — " Olaf" s brave son then gave command, All his ships' crews should quickly land: King Magnus, marching at their head, A noble band of warriors led. A foray through the land he makes; Denmark in every quarter shakes. Up hill and down the horses scour, Carrying the Danes from Norsemen's power." King Magnus drove with fire and sword through the land. So says Thiodolf: — " And now the Norsemen storm along, Following their banner in a throng : King Magnus' banner flames on high, A star to guide our roaming by. To Lund, o'er Scania's peaceful field, My shoulder bore my useless shield : A fairer land, a better road, As friend or foe, I never trod." They began to burn the habitations all around, and the people fled on every side. So says Thiodolf: — " Our ice-cold iron in great store, Our arms, beside the king we bore : The Scanian rogues fly at the view Of men and steel all sharp and true. Their timbered houses flame on high, Red flashing over half the sky ; The blazing town flings forth its light, Lighting the cowards on their flight." And he also sang, — " The king o'er all the Danish land Roams, with his fire-bringing band: