to
accept King Canute's and Earl Hakon's friendship, become their man,
and take the oaths of fealty to them. Receive now thy reward." And he
displayed to him a large bag full of English money.

Bjorn was a man fond of money, and self-interested; and when he saw
the silver he was silent, and reflected with himself what resolution he
should take. It seemed to him much to abandon his property, as he did
not think it probable that King Olaf would ever have a rising in his
favour in Norway. Now when the messenger saw that Bjorn's inclinations
were turned towards the money, he threw down two thick gold rings,
and said, "Take the money at once, Bjorn, and swear the oaths to King
Canute; for I can promise thee that this money is but a trifle, compared
to what thou wilt receive if thou followest King Canute."

By the heap of money, the fine promises, and the great presents, he was
led by covetousness, took the money, went into King Canute's service,
and gave the oaths of fealty to King Canute and Earl Hakon, and then the
messengers departed.

197. BJORN THE MARSHAL'S JOURNEY.

When Bjorn heard the tidings that Earl Hakon was missing he soon altered
his mind, and was much vexed with himself for having been a traitor in
his fidelity to King Olaf. He thought, now, that he was freed from the
oath by which he had bound himself to Earl Hakon. It seemed to Bjorn
that now there was some hope that King Olaf might again come to the
throne of Norway if he came back, as the country was without a head.
Bjorn therefore immediately made himself ready to travel, and took some
men with him. He then set out on his journey, travelling night and day,
on horseback when he could, and by ship when he found occasion; and
never halted until he came, after Yule, east to Russia to King Olaf, who
was very glad to see Bjorn. Then the king inquired much about the
news from Norway. Bjorn tells him that Earl Hakon was missing, and the
kingdom left without a head. At this news the men who had followed
King Olaf were very glad,--all who had left property, connections, and
friends in Norway; and the longing for home was awakened in them. Bjorn
told King Olaf much news from Norway, and very anxious the king was to
know, and asked much how his friends had kept their fidelity towards
him. Bjorn answered, it had gone differently with different people.

Then Bjorn stood up, fell at the king's feet, held his foot, and said,
"All is in your power, sire, and i