towed upon him. After these exploits Frode
passed three years in complete and tranquil peace.

Meanwhile the King of the Huns, when he heard that his daughter had been
put away, allied himself with Olmar, King of the Easterlings, and in two
years equipped an armament against the Danes. So Frode levied an army
not only of native Danes, but also of Norwegians and Sclavs. Erik, whom
he had sent to spy out the array of the enemy, found Olmar, who had
received the command of the fleet, not far from Russia; while the King
of the Huns led the land forces. He addressed Olmar thus:

"What means, prithee, this strong equipment of war? Or whither dost thou
speed, King Olmar, mighty in thy fleet?"

Olmar. "We are minded to attack the son of Fridleif. And who art thou,
whose bold lips ask such questions?"

Erik. "Vain hope of conquering the unconquered hath filled thy heart;
over Frode no man can prevail."

Olmar. "Whatsoever befalls, must once happen for the first time; and
often enough the unexpected comes to pass."

By this saying he let him know that no man must put too much trust in
fortune. Then Erik rode up to inspect the army of the Huns. As it passed
by him, and he in turn by it, it showed its vanguard to the rising and
its rear to the setting sun. So he asked those whom he met, who had the
command of all those thousands. Hun, the King of the Huns, happened to
see him, and heard that he had undertaken to reconnoitre, and asked
what was the name of the questioner. Erik said he was the man who came
everywhere and was found nowhere. Then the king, when an interpreter
was brought, asked what work Frode was about. Erik replied, "Frode never
waits at home for a hostile army, nor tarries in his house for his foe.
For he who covets the pinnacle of another's power must watch and wake
all night. No man has ever won a victory by snoring, and no wolf has
ever found a carcase by lying asleep."

The king, perceiving that he was a cunning speaker of choice maxims,
said: "Here, perchance, is that Erik who, as I have heard, accused my
daughter falsely."

But Erik, when they were bidden to seize him instantly, said that it was
unseemly for one man to be dragged off by really; and by this saying
he not only appeased the mind of the king, but even inclined him to be
willing to pardon him. But it was clear that this impunity came more
from cunning than kindness; for the chief reason why he was let go was
that he might terrify Frode by