Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 3.djvu/139

 KINGS OF NORWAY. 127 They went back, therefore, to Swemke, and told hmi saga xi. the king's words ; and also that the king had ordered him out of the country, and he should show his obe- dience, since he had forgotten himself towards the king. '' It is for the honour of both that thou shouldst show obedience to the king." Then Sweinke said, " There must be some great change if the king speaks agreeably to me ; but why should I fly the country and my properties? Listen now to what I say. It appears to me better to die upon my property than to fly from my udal estates. Tell the king that I will not stir from them even an arrow-flight." Kolbiorn replied, " This is scarcely prudent, or right ; for it is better for one's own honour to give way to the best chief, than to make opposition to one's own loss. A gallant man succeeds wheresoever he goes ; and thou wilt be the more respected wheresoever thou art, with men of power, just because thou hast made head so boldly against so powerful a chief. Hear our promises, and pay some attention to our errand. We ofl*er thee to manage thy estates, and take them faithfully under our protection ; and also never, against thy will, to pay scatt for thy land until thou comest back. We will pledge our lives and pro- perties upon this. Do not throw away good counsel from thee, and avoid thus the ill fortune of other good men." Then Sweinke was silent for a short time, and said at last, " Your endeavours are wise; but I have my suspicions that ye are changing a little the king's message. In consideration, however, of the great good-mil that ye show me, I will hold your advice in such respect that I will go out of the country for the whole winter, if, according to your promises, I can then retain my estates in peace. Tell the king, also,