of
encouragement were heard through the whole army.

236. OF THE KING'S AND THE BONDES' ARMIES.

Thereafter the bondes' army advanced to Stiklestad, where King Olaf was
already with his people. Kalf and Harek went in front, at the head of
the army under their banners. But the battle did not begin immediately
on their meeting; for the bondes delayed the assault, because all their
men were not come upon the plain, and they waited for those who came
after them. Thorer Hund had come up with his troop the last, for he had
to take care that the men did not go off behind when the battlecry was
raised, or the armies were closing with each other; and therefore Kalf
and Harek waited for Thorer. For the encouragement of their men in the
battle the bondes had the field-cry--"Forward, forward, bondemen!"
King Olaf also made no attack, for he waited for Dag and the people who
followed him. At last the king saw Dag and his men approaching. It is
said that the army of the bondes was not less on this day than a hundred
times a hundred men. Sigvat the skald speaks thus of the numbers:--

"I grieve to think the king had brought
Too small a force for what he sought:
He held his gold too fast to bring
The numbers that could make him king.
The foemen, more than two to one,
The victory by numbers won;
And this alone, as I've heard say,
Against King Olaf turned the day."

237. MEETING OF THE KING AND THE BONDES.

As the armies on both sides stood so near that people knew each other,
the king said, "Why art thou here, Kalf, for we parted good friends
south in More? It beseems thee ill to fight against us, or to throw a
spear into our army; for here are four of thy brothers."

Kalf replied, "Many things come to pass differently from what may appear
seemly. You parted from us so that it was necessary to seek peace with
those who were behind in the country. Now each must remain where he
stands; but if I might advise, we should be reconciled."

Then Fin, his brother, answered, "This is to be observed of Kalf, that
when he speaks fairly he has it in his mind to do ill."

The king answered, "It may be, Kalf, that thou art inclined to
reconciliation; but, methinks, the bondes do not appear so peaceful."

Then Thorgeir of Kviststad said, "You shall now have such peace as many
formerly have received at your hands, and which you shall now pay for."

The king replies, "Thou hast no occasion