So, begging his sons to help him, he
came on Karl, who happened then to be tarrying on those borders of his
empire. Intercepting his sentries, he eluded the watch that was posted
on guard. But while he thought that all the rest would therefore be easy
and more open to his attacks, suddenly a woman who was a soothsayer, a
kind of divine oracle or interpreter of the will of heaven, warned the
king with a saving prophecy, and by her fortunate presage forestalled
the mischief that impended, saying that the fleet of Siward had moored
at the mouth of the river Seine. The emperor, heeding the warning, and
understanding that the enemy was at hand, managed to engage with and
stop the barbarians, who were thus pointed out to him. A battle was
fought with Ragnar; but Karl did not succeed as happily in the field
as he had got warning of the danger. And so that tireless conqueror of
almost all Europe, who in his calm and complete career of victory had
travelled over so great a portion of the world, now beheld his army,
which had vanquished all these states and nations, turning its face from
the field, and shattered by a handful from a single province.

Ragnar, after loading the Saxons with tribute, had sure tidings from
Sweden of the death of Herodd, and also heard that his own sons, owing
to the slander of Sorle, the king chosen in his stead, had been robbed
of their inheritance. He besought the aid of the brothers Biorn,
Fridleif, and Ragbard (for Ragnald, Hwitserk, and Erik, his sons by
Swanloga, had not yet reached the age of bearing arms), and went to
Sweden. Sorle met him with his army, and offered him the choice between
a public conflict and a duel; and when Ragnar chose personal combat, he
sent against him Starkad, a champion of approved daring, with his band
of seven sons, to challenge and fight with him. Ragnar took his three
sons to share the battle with him, engaged in the sight of both armies,
and came out of the combat triumphant.

Biorn, having inflicted great slaughter on the foe without hurt to
himself, gained from the strength of his sides, which were like iron, a
perpetual name (Ironsides). This victory emboldened Ragnar to hope that
he could overcome any peril, and he attacked and slew Sorle with the
entire forces he was leading. He presented Biorn with the lordship
of Sweden for his conspicuous bravery and service. Then for a little
interval he rested from wars, and chanced to fall deeply in love with
a certain