ng his arms from the Irish against the Danes in
order to avenge his brother, Hakon the Zealander, the son of Wigar, and
Starkad deserted him. They had been his allies from the death of Ragnald
up to that hour: one, because he was moved by regard for friendship,
the other by regard for his birth; so that different reasons made both
desire the same thing.

Now patriotism diverted Hakon (of Zealand) from attacking his country;
for it was apparent that he was going to fight his own people, while all
the rest warred with foreigners. But Starkad forbore to become the foe
of the aged Sigar, whose hospitality he had enjoyed, lest he should be
thought to wrong one who deserved well of him. For some men pay
such respect to hospitality that, if they can remember ever to have
experienced kindly offices from folk, they cannot be thought to inflict
any annoyance on them. But Hakon thought the death of his brother a
worse loss than the defection of his champions; and, gathering his fleet
into the haven called Herwig in Danish, and in Latin Hosts' Bight, he
drew up his men, and posted his line of foot-soldiers in the spot where
the town built by Esbern now defends with its fortifications those who
dwell hard by, and repels the approach of barbarous savages. Then
he divided his forces in three, and sent on two-thirds of his ships,
appointing a few men to row to the river Susa. This force was to advance
on a dangerous voyage along its winding reaches, and to help those on
foot if necessary. He marched in person by land with the remainder,
advancing chiefly over wooded country to escape notice. Part of this
path, which was once closed up with thick woods, is now land ready for
the plough, and fringed with a scanty scrub. And, in order that when
they got out into the plain they might not lack the shelter of trees,
he told them to cut and carry branches. Also, that nothing might burden
their rapid march, he bade them cast away some of their clothes, as
well as their scabbards; and carry their swords naked. In memory of this
event he left the mountain and the ford a perpetual name. Thus by his
night march he eluded two pickets of sentries; but when he came upon
the third, a scout, observing the marvellous event, went to the
sleeping-room of Sigar, saying that he brought news of a portentous
thing; for he saw leaves and shrubs like men walking. Then the king
asked him how far off was the advancing forest; and when he heard that
it was near, h