Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 3.djvu/300

 288 CHRONICLE OF THE SAGA XV. to Haldor Biyniulfsson, who was in the house drink- ills', that his house-man was wounded down on the pier, and he went there immediately. But Biorn's house-men had come there before, and as Haldor thought his house-man had been badly treated, he went up to them and beat them ; and it was told to Biorn Buk that the people of Viken were beating his house-men on the pier. Then Biorn and his house- men took their weapons, hurried down to the pier, and would avenge their men ; and a bloody strife began. It was told Gregorius that his j*elation Hal- dor required assistance, and that his house-men were being cut down in the street ; on which Gregorius and his men ran to the place in their armour. Now it was told Erling Skakke that his sister's son Biorn w^as fighting with Gregorius and Haldor down on the piers, and that he needed help. Then he proceeded thither with a great force, and exhorted the people to stand by him ; saying it would be a great disgrace never to be wiped out, if the Yiken people should trample upon them in their own native place. There fell thirteen men, of whom nine were killed on the spot, and four died of their wounds, and many were wounded. When the word came to Kins; Ino;e that Gregorius and Erling were fighting down on the piers, he hastened there, and tried to separate them ; but could do nothing, so mad were they on both sides. Then Gregorius called to Inge, and told him to go away ; for it was in vain to attempt coming be- tween them, as matters now stood. He said it would be the greatest misfortune if the king mixed himself up with it ; for he could not be certain that there were not people in the fray who would commit some great misdeed if they had opportunity. Then King Inge retired ; and when the greatest tumult Avas over, Gregorius and his men went to Nicolas church, and Erling behind them, calling to each other. Then