Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 3.djvu/115

 Magnus's death. KINGS OF NORWAY. 103 they were of great experience, and very laborious, s aga i x. and were known and celebrated far and wide for these qualities." King Magnus Haraldsson ruled over Norway the Chapter the first winter after King Harald's death, and after- King wards two years along with his brother King Olaf. Thus there were two kings of Norway at that time ; and Magnus had the northern and Olaf the eastern part of the country. King Magnus had a son called Hakon, who was fostered by Thorer of Steig in Gud- brandsdal, who was a brother of King Magnus by the mother's side ; and Hakon was a most agreeable man. After King Harald Sigurdsson's death the Danish king Swend let it be known that the peace between the Northmen and the Danes was at an end, and insisted that the league between Harald and Swend was not for longer time than their lives. There was a levy in both kingdoms. Harald's sons called out the whole people in Norway for procuring men and ships, and Swend set out from the South with the Danish army. Messengers then went between with proposals for a peace ; and the Northmen said they would either have the same league as was concluded between King Harald and Swend, or otherwise give battle instantly on the spot. Verses were made on this occasion ; viz. — '^ Ready for waf or peace. King Olaf will not cease From foeman's hand To guard his land." So says also Stein Herdisarson in his song of Olaf: — " From Drontheim town, where in repose The holy king defies his foes, Another Olaf will defend His kingdom from the greedy Swend. H 4