ged him to pay a visit to the Danish king, and
enter into a peace with him. In summer Erling was in Viken, where he
fitted out a long-ship, manned it with his finest lads, and sailed
(a single ship) over to Jutland. When he heard that the Danish king
Valdemar was in Randaros, Erling sailed thither, and came to the town
just as the king sat at the dinner-table, and most of the people were
taking their meal. When his people had made themselves ready according
to Erling's orders, set up the ship-tents, and made fast the ship,
Erling landed with twelve men, all in armour, with hats over their
helmets, and swords under their cloaks. They went to the king's lodging,
where the doors stood open, and the dishes were being carried in.
Erling and his people went in immediately, and drew up in front of the
high-seat. Erling said, "Peace and safe conduct we desire, king, both
here and to return home."

The king looked at him, and said, "Art thou here, Erling?"

He replies, "Here is Erling; and tell us, at once, if we shall have
peace and safe conduct."

There were eighty of the king's men in the room, but all unarmed. The
king replies, "Peace ye shall have, Erling, according to thy desire; for
I will not use force or villainy against a man who comes to visit me."

Erling then kissed the king's hand, went out, and down to his ship.
Erling stayed at Randaros some time with the king, and they talked about
terms of peace between them and between the countries. They agreed that
Erling should remain as hostage with the Danish king; and that Asbjorn
Snara, Bishop Absalon's brother, should go to Norway as hostage on the
other part.

30. KING VALDEMAR AND ERLING.

In a conference which King Valdemar and Erling once had together. Erling
said, "Sire, it appears to me likely that it might lead to a peace
between the countries if you got that part of Norway which was promised
you in our agreement; but if it should be so, what chief would you place
over it? Would he be a Dane?"

"No," replied the king; "no Danish chief would go to Norway, where he
would have to manage an obstinate hard people, when he has it so easy
here with me."

Erling: "It was on that very consideration that I came here; for I would
not on any account in the world deprive myself of the advantage of your
friendship. In days of old other men, Hakon Ivarson and Fin Arnason,
came also from Norway to Denmark, and your predecessor, King Svein, made
them both earls.