ult to preserve good understanding
between the kings. King Magnus's men said he was in the right; but
others, less wise, thought there was some slight put upon Harald in the
business. King Harald's men, besides, insisted that the agreement was
only that King Magnus should have the preference of the harbour-ground
when they arrived together, but that King Harald was not bound to draw
out of his place when he came first. They observed, also, that King
Harald had conducted himself well and wisely in the matter. Those who
viewed the business in the worst light insisted that King Magnus wanted
to break the agreement, and that he had done King Harald injustice,
and put an affront on him. Such disputes were talked over so long
among foolish people, that the spirit of disagreeing affected the kings
themselves. Many other things also occurred, in which the kings appeared
determined to have each his own way; but of these little will be set
down here.

28. KING MAGNUS THE GOOD'S DEATH.

The kings, Magnus and Harald, sailed with their fleet south to Denmark;
and when Svein heard of their approach, he fled away east to Scania.
Magnus and Harald remained in Denmark late in summer, and subdued the
whole country. In autumn they were in Jutland. One night, as King Magnus
lay in his bed, it appeared to him in a dream that he was in the same
place as his father, Saint Olaf, and that he spoke to him thus: "Wilt
thou choose, my son, to follow me, or to become a mighty king, and
have long life; but to commit a crime which thou wilt never be able to
expiate?" He thought he made the answer, "Do thou, father, choose for
me." Then the king thought the answer was, "Thou shalt follow me." King
Magnus told his men this dream. Soon after he fell sick and lay at a
place called Sudathorp. When he was near his death he sent his brother,
Thorer, with tokens to Svein Ulfson, with the request to give Thorer the
aid he might require. In this message King Magnus also gave the Danish
dominions to Svein after his death; and said it was just that Harald
should rule over Norway and Svein over Denmark. Then King Magnus the
Good died (A.D. 1047), and great was the sorrow of all the people at his
death. So says Od Kikinaskald:--

"The tears o'er good King Magnus' bier,
The people's tears, were all sincere:
Even they to whom he riches gave
Carried him heavily to the grave.
All hearts were struck at the king's end;
His house-