Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 3.djvu/297

 KINGS OF NORWAY. SO we must hasten to the fight where it is sharpest. It is also most proper that I should be in the battle ; for the victory, if we win it, will belong to me. And if I even knew beforehand that our men were not to gain the battle, yet our place is where our friends are ; for I can do nothing if I lose the men who are justly called the defence of the country, who are the the bravest, and have long ruled for me and my king- dom." Thereupon he ordered his banner to be set up, which was done ; and they rowed across the river. Then the battle raged, and the king could not get room to attack, so close lay the ships before him. First he lay under the East-country trading ship, and from it they threw down upon his vessel spears, iron- shod stakes, and such large stones that it was impos- sible to hold out longer there, and he had to haul off. Now when the king's people saw that he was come they made place for him, and then he laid alongside of Endrid Johnsson's ship. Now King Hakon's men abandoned the small ships, and went on board the large merchant vessels ; but some of them sprang on shore. Erling Skakke and his men had a severe con- flict. Erling himself was on the forecastle, and called his forecastle-men, and ordered them to board the king's ship ; but they answered, this was no easy matter, for there were beams above with an iron comb on them. Then Erling himself Avent to the bow, and staid there a while, until they succeeded in getting on board the king's ship ; and then the ship was cleared of men on the bows, and the whole army gave way. Many sprang into the water, many fell, but the greater number got to the land. So says Einar Skuleson : — " Men fall upon the slippery deck — Men roll off from the blood-drenched wreck; Dead bodies float down with the stream^ And from the shores witch-ravens scream. 285 SAGA XV.