Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 3.djvu/59

 KINGS OF NORWAY. 47 and sent him away, giving him a good fief, which sagajx. might keep him and his followers well. As soon as Asmund had got this property from the king, he drew together a large troop of people ; and as the estate he had got from the king was not sufficient for his ex- penses, he took as his own much more which belonged to the king. When the king heard this he summoned Asmund to him, and when they met the king said that Asmund should remain with the court without keeping any retinue of his own ; and this took place as the king desired. But when Asmund had been a little time in the king's court he grew weary of being there, and escaped in the night, returned to his for- mer companions, and did more mischief than ever. Now when the king was riding through the country, he came to the neighbourhood where Asmund was, and he sent out men-at-arms to seize him. The king then had him laid in irons, and kept him so for some time in hope he would reform ; but no sooner did Asmund get rid of his chains than he absconded again, gathered together people and men-at-arms, and betook himself to plunder, both abroad and at home. Thus he made great forays, killing and plundering all around. When the people who suffered under these disturbances came to the king, and complained to him of their losses, he replied, " Why do ye tell me of this? Why don't you go to Hakon Ivarsson, who is my officer for the land-defence, placed on purpose to keep the peace for you peasants, and to hold the vik- ings in check? 1 was told that Hakon was a gallant and brave man, but I think he is rather shy when any danger of life is in the Avay." These words of the king were brought to Hakon, with many additions. Then Hakon went with his men in search of Asmund, and when their ships met Hakon gave battle imme- diately; and the conflict was sharp, and many men were killed. Hakon boarded Asmund's ship, and cut