Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 2.djvu/74

 66 CHRONICLE OF THE SAGA VII. the marshal, and Hialte became his comrade at table. There was good fellowship immediately be- tween them. Once, when King Olaf had assembled the people and bonders to consult upon the good of the country, Biorn the marshal said, " What think you, king, of the strife that is between the Swedish king and you ? Many people have fallen on both sides, without its being at all more determined than before what each of you shall have of the kingdom. You have now been sitting in Yiken one winter and two summers, and the whole country to the north is lying behind your back unseen ; and the men who have property or udal rights in the north are weary of sitting here. Now it is the wish of the lendermen, of your other people, and of the bonders, that this should come to an end. There is now a truce, agreement, and peace with the earl, and the West Gotland people who are nearest to us ; and it appears to the people it would be best that you sent messengers to the Swedish king to offer a reconciliation on your side ; and, without doubt, many who are about the Swedish king will support the proposal, for it is a common gain for those who dwell in both countries, both here and there." This speech of Biorn's received great ap- plause. Then the king said, "It is fair, Biorn, that the advice thou hast given should be carried out by thy- self. Thou shalt undertake this embassy thyself, and enjoy the good of it, if thou hast advised well ; and if it involve any man in danger, thou hast involved thy- self in it. Moreover, it belongs to thy office to declare to the multitude what I wish to have told;' Then the king stood up, went to the church, and had high mass sung before him ; and thereafter went to table. The following day Hialte said to Biorn, " Why art