bondes have well deserved that it
should be done to them as ye desire. They also know that I have formerly
done so, burning their habitations, and punishing them severely in many
ways; but then I proceeded against them with fire and sword because they
rejected the true faith, betook themselves to sacrifices, and would not
obey my commands. We had then God's honour to defend. But this treason
against their sovereign is a much less grievous crime, although it does
not become men who have any manhood in them to break the faith and vows
they have sworn to me. Now, however, it is more in my power to spare
those who have dealt ill with me, than those whom God hated. I will,
therefore, that my people proceed gently, and commit no ravage. First,
I will proceed to meet the bondes; if we can then come to a
reconciliation, it is well; but if they will fight with us, then there
are two things before us; either we fail in the battle, and then it will
be well advised not to have to retire encumbered with spoil and cattle;
or we gain the victory, and then ye will be the heirs of all who fight
now against us; for some will fall, and others will fly, but both will
have forfeited their goods and properties, and then it will be good to
enter into full houses and well-stocked farms; but what is burnt is of
use to no man, and with pillage and force more is wasted than what turns
to use. Now we will spread out far through the inhabited places, and
take with us all the men we can find able to carry arms. Then men will
also capture cattle for slaughter, or whatever else of provision
that can serve for food; but not do any other ravage. But I will see
willingly that ye kill any spies of the bonde army ye may fall in with.
Dag and his people shall go by the north side down along the valley,
and I will go on along the country road, and so we shall meet in the
evening, and all have one night quarter."

218. OF KING OLAF'S SKALDS.

It is related that when King Olaf drew up his men in battle order, he
made a shield rampart with his troop that should defend him in battle,
for which he selected the strongest and boldest. Thereafter he called
his skalds, and ordered them to go in within the shield defence. "Ye
shall." says the king, "remain here, and see the circumstances which may
take place, and then ye will not have to follow the reports of others
in what ye afterwards tell or sing concerning it." There were Thormod
Kolbrunarskald, Gissur Gul