Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 3.djvu/326

 battle array 314 CHRONICLE OF THE SAGA XVI. got up, and armed themselves ; but not knowing how Sigurd's many men Erling had with him, some were inclined to fly, but the most determined to stand. Earl Sigurd was a man of understanding, and could talk well, but certainly Avas not considered brave enough to take a strong resolution ; and indeed the earl showed a great inclination to fly, for which he got many stinging words from his men-at-arms. As day dawned, they began on both sides to draw up their battle array. Earl Sigurd placed his men on the edge of a ridge be- tween the river and the house, at a place at which a little stream runs into the river. Erling and his people placed their array on the other side of the river ; but at the back of his array were men on horseback well armed, who had the king with them. When Earl Si- gurd's men saw that there was so great a want of men on their side, they held a council, and were for taking to the forest. But Earl Sigurd said, " Ye alleged that I had no courage, but it will now be proved ; and let each of you take care not to fail, or fly, before I do so. We have a good battle-field. Let them cross the bridge ; but as soon as the banner comes over it let us then rush down the hill upon them, and none desert his neighbour." Earl Sigurd had on a red-brown kirtle, and a red cloak, of which the corners were tied and turned back ; shoes on his feet ; and a shield and sword called Bas- tard. The earl said, " God knows that I would rather get at Erling Skakke with a stroke of Bastard, than receive much gold." Erling Skakke' s army wished to go on to the bridge ; Earl Si. but Erling told them to go up along the river, which ^"'' ^ "^ • was small, and not diflicult to cross, as its banks were flat ; and they did so. Earl Sigurd's array proceeded up along the ridge right opposite to them ; but as the ridge ended, and the ground was good and level over the river, Erling told his men to sing a Paternoster, Chapter XIV