Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 2.djvu/98

 90 CHRONICLE OF THE SAGA VII. Chapter LXXIX. Of Earl Rognvald and the Lagman Thorgnyr. lar, about what had lately been clone; that King Olaf in an hour's time one morning had taken five kings prisoners, deprived them all of their governments, and laid their kingdoms and properties under his own power. Much they talked about the business, and in all their conversations they perfectly agreed with each other. When the earl was ready he took leave, and proceeded on his way, taking Hialte with him. Earl Kognvald came towards evening one day to the house of Lagman Thorgnyr. It was a great and stately mansion, and many people stood outside who received the earl kindly, and took care of the horses and baggage. The earl went into the room, where there was a number of people. In the high seat sat an old man ; and never had Biorn or his companions seen a man so stout. His beard was so long that it lay upon his knee, and was spread over his whole breast; and the man moreover was gay and lively. The earl went forward and saluted him. Thorgnyr received him joyfully and kindly, and bade him go to the seat he was accustomed to take. The earl seated himself on the other side, opposite to Thorgnyr. They remained there some days before the earl disclosed his errand, and then he asked Thorgnyr to go with him into the conversing room. Biorn and his fol- lowers went there with the earl. Then the earl began, and told how Olaf king of Norway had sent these men hither to conclude a peaceful agreement. He showed at great length what injury it was of to the West Gotland people, that there was hostility between their country and Norway. He further re- lated that Olaf the king of Norway had sent embas- sadors, who were here present, and to whom he had promised he would attend them to the Swedish king ; but he added, " The Swedish king takes the matter so grievously, that he has uttered menaces against those who entertain it. Now so it is, mv foster- my