his father's murder is to murder
him also, as well as his other relations, which will be seen this day to
be his intent. King Hakon desired from the beginning no more of Norway
than the third part, which his father had possessed, and which was
denied him; and yet, in my opinion, King Hakon has a better right to
inherit after his father's brother, King Eystein, than Inge or Simon
Skalp, or the other men who killed King Eystein. Many of them who would
save their souls, and yet have defiled their hands with such bloody
deeds as Inge has done, must think it a presumption before God that
he takes the name of king; and I wonder God suffers such monstrous
wickedness as his; but it may be God's will that we shall now put him
down. Let us fight then manfully, and God will give us victory; and, if
we fall, will repay us with joys unspeakable for now allowing the might
of the wicked to prevail over us. Go forth then in confidence, and be
not afraid when the battle begins. Let each watch over his own and his
comrade's safety, and God protect us all." There went a good report
abroad of this speech of Sigurd, and all promised fairly, and to do
their duty. King Hakon went on board of the great East-country ship, and
a shield-bulwark was made around him; but his standard remained on the
long-ship in which it had been before.

9. OF KING INGE'S MEN.

Now must we tell about King Inge and his men. When they saw that King
Hakon and his people were ready for battle, and the river only was
between them, they sent a light vessel to recall the rest of the fleet
which had rowed away; and in the meantime the king waited for them,
and arranged the troops for the attack. Then the chiefs consulted in
presence of the army, and told their opinions; first, which ships should
lie nearest to the enemy; and then where each should attack.

Gregorius spoke thus: "We have many and fine men; and it is my advice,
King Inge, that you do not go to the assault with us, for everything is
preserved if you are safe. And no man knows where an arrow may hit, even
from the hands of a bad bowman; and they have prepared themselves so,
that missiles and stones can be thrown from the high stages upon the
merchant ships, so that there is less danger for those who are farthest
from them. They have not more men than we lendermen can very well engage
with. I shall lay my ship alongside their largest ship, and I expect the
conflict between us will be but short; for it