nd proved, how unsuitable and
improper it is to go into battle in the nighttime; therefore let us
rather have before our eyes the example of chiefs better known to us,
and who deserve better to be imitated, and fight by open day in regular
battle array, and not steal upon sleeping men in the night. We have
people enough against them, so few as they are. Let us, therefore, wait
for day and daylight, and keep together in our array in case they attack
us."

Thereafter the whole army sat down. Some opened up bundles of hay, and
made a bed of it for themselves; some sat upon their shields, and thus
waited the daydawn. The weather was raw, and there was a wet snowdrift.

13. OF EARL SIGURD'S BATTLE ARRAY.

Earl Sigurd got the first intelligence of Erling's army, when it was
already near to the house. His men got up, and armed themselves; but not
knowing how many men Erling had with him, some were inclined to fly, but
the most determined to stand. Earl Sigurd was a man of understanding,
and could talk well, but certainly was not considered brave enough to
take a strong resolution; and indeed the earl showed a great inclination
to fly, for which he got many stinging words from his men-at-arms. As
day dawned, they began on both sides to draw up their battle array. Earl
Sigurd placed his men on the edge of a ridge between the river and the
house, at a place at which a little stream runs into the river. Erling
and his people placed their array on the other side of the river; but at
the back of his array were men on horseback well armed, who had the king
with them. When Earl Sigurd's men saw that there was so great a want
of men on their side, they held a council, and were for taking to the
forest. But Earl Sigurd said, "Ye alleged that I had no courage, but it
will now be proved; and let each of you take care not to fail, or fly,
before I do so. We have a good battle-field. Let them cross the bridge;
but as soon as the banner comes over it let us then rush down the hill
upon them, and none desert his neighbour."

Earl Sigurd had on a red-brown kirtle, and a red cloak, of which the
corners were tied and turned back; shoes on his feet; and a shield and
sword called Bastard. The earl said, "God knows that I would rather get
at Erling Skakke with a stroke of Bastard, than receive much gold."

14. EARL SIGURD'S FALL.

Erling Skakke's army wished to go on to the bridge; but Erling told them
to go up along the river, wh