Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 3.djvu/291

 KINGS OF NORWAY. 279 half room * must be employed in rowing only, and saga xv. another must be covering with the shield the man who rows ; and what have we then to fight with but one third of our men ? It appears to me that they can be of little use in the battle who are sitting at their oars, with their backs turned to the enemy. Give me now some time for consideration, and I pro- mise you that before three days are over I shall fall upon some plan by which we can come into battle with advantage." It was evident from Erling^s speech that he dis- suaded from an attack ; but, notwithstanding, it was urged by many, who thought that Hakon would now, as before, take to the land. "' And then," said they, " we cannot get hold of him ; but now they have but few men, and we have their fate in our own hands." Gregorius said but little ; but thought that Erlhig rather dissuaded from an attack that Gregorius's ad- vice should no have effect, than that he had any bet- ter advice to give. Then said King Inge to Erling, "• Now we will Chapter follow thy advice, brother, with regard to the manner of Hakoa's of attacking; but seeing how eager our counsellors ^^^*' are for it, we shall make the attack this day." ErHng replied, " All the boats and light vessels we have should row outside the island, and up the east arm of the river, and then down with the stream upon them, and try if they cannot cut them loose from the piles. Then we, with the large ships, shall row from below here against them ; and I cannot tell, until it be tried, if those who are now so furiously warm will be much brisker at the attack than I am." This counsel was approved by all. There was a rowersjin which the men Uved; and these were divided into half rooms, viz. on the starboard and larboard sides, and the men belonged to the starboard and larboard oars of the bench. T 4
 * The whole room was apparently the space between two benches of