that all men, both great and small, take it ill that you have not kept
your promise to the king of Norway; and, worse than that, that you broke
the decision of the community as it was delivered at Upsala Thing. You
need not fear either the king of Norway, or the king of Denmark, or any
other, so long as the Swedish army will follow you; but if the people
of the country unanimously turn against you, we, your friends, see no
counsel that can be of advantage to you."

The king asks, "Who is the chief who dares to betray the country and
me?"

Freyvid replies, "All Swedes desire to have the ancient laws, and their
full rights. Look but here, sire, how many chiefs are sitting in
council with you. I think, in truth, we are but six whom you call your
councillors: all the others, so far as I know, have ridden forth through
the districts to hold Things with the people; and we will not conceal
it from you, that the message-token has gone forth to assemble a
Retribution-thing (1). All of us brothers have been invited to take part
in the decisions of this council, but none of us will bear the name of
traitor to the sovereign; for that our father never was."

Then the king said, "What council shall we take in this dangerous affair
that is in our hands? Good chiefs give me council, that I may keep my
kingdom, and the heritage of my forefathers; for I cannot enter into
strife against the whole Swedish force."

Arnvid the Blind replies, "Sire, it is my advice that you ride down to
Aros with such men as will follow you; take your ship there and go out
into the Maeler lake; summon all people to meet you; proceed no longer
with haughtiness, but promise every man the law and rights of old
established in the country; keep back in this way the message-token,
for it cannot as yet, in so short a time have travelled far through the
land. Send, then those of your men in whom you have the most confidence
to those who have this business on hand, and try if this uproar can be
appeased."

The king says that he will adopt this advice. "I will," says he, "that
ye brothers undertake this business; for I trust to you the most among
my men."

Thorvid the Stammerer said, "I remain behind. Let Jacob, your son, go
with them, for that is necessary."

Then said Freyvid, "Let us do as Thorvid says: he will not leave you,
and I and Arnvid must travel."

This counsel was followed. Olaf went to his ships, and set out into
the Maelar lake, and many peopl