of it. Now I know my own
capacity, and how little I am suited to be the leader; so I would rather
you should go, with my help and assistance."

So King Olaf gave Canute sixty large ships, with excellent equipment and
faithful men, and set his lendermen as chiefs over them; and all must
allow that this armament was admirably equipt. It is also told in the
saga about Canute, that the Northmen alone did not break the levy
when the army was assembled, but the Danes would not obey their king's
orders. This king Canute acknowledged, and gave them leave to trade in
merchandise where they pleased through his country, and at the same time
sent the king of Norway costly presents for his assistance. On the other
hand he was enraged against the Danes, and laid heavy fines upon them.

10. A BONDE WHO UNDERSTOOD THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS.

One summer, when King Olaf's men had gone round the country collecting
his income and land dues, it happened that the king, on their
return home asked them where on their expedition they had been best
entertained. They said it was in the house of a bonde in one of the
king's districts. "There is an old bonde there who knows many things
before they happen. We asked him about many things, which he explained
to us; nay, we even believe that he understands perfectly the language
of birds." The king replies, "How can ye believe such nonsense?" and
insisted that it was wrong to put confidence in such things. It happened
soon after that the king was sailing along the coast; and as they
sailed through a Sound the king said, "What is that township up in the
country?"

They replied, "That is the district, sire, where we told you we were
best entertained."

Then said the king, "What house is that which stands up there, not far
from the Sound?"

They replied, "That house belongs to the wise old bonde we told you of,
sire."

They saw now a horse standing close to the house. Then said the king,
"Go there, and take that horse, and kill him."

They replied, "We would not like to do him such harm."

The king: "I will command. Cut off the horse's head; but take care of
yourselves that ye let no blood come to the ground, and bear the horse
out to my ship. Go then and bring to me the old man; but tell him
nothing of what has happened, as ye shall answer for it with your
lives."

They did as they were ordered, and then came to the old man, and told
him the king's message. When he came before the king, th