ed to win riches for
themselves, and they gathered round Harald and took him for their
leader.

Then went he with his host westward to northern Africa, which the
Vaerings called Serkland,Sec. and there he gained addition to his host.

In Serkland won he eighty walled towns, some thereof surrendered to him,
whereas others took he by might.

Thereafter went he to Sikiley (Sicily). Thus saith Thiodolf:

'Towns ten times eight in Serkland,
Say I, then were taken,
The young hater of red-glowing gold
Rushed into the peril.
Before the fighter went to rouse
With clashing shields the Hilds,
Were they long the Serk-men's foe,
On the plains of Sicily.'

Thus saith Illugi, the skald from Bryn:

'Harald under Michael strove
For south-lands with his sword
The son of Budli, as 'twas said
Showed friendship by his fellowship.'[Sec.]

|| Now it came to pass that at this season was Michael King of Greece.

Many winters abode he in Africa, and to himself acquired goods and
chattels in plenty, gold likewise and all manner of precious things; but
all the wealth which he took and thereof had not need for his
maintenance sent he by his trusty men to Holmgard (Novgarod), to be
bestowed into the hands and care of King Jarizleif.

Exceeding wealth did he collect together there, as was like to be,
forasmuch as he was pillaging in that part of the world the which is
richest in gold and costly things. And so much did he accomplish withal
that, as has been writ before, took he as many as eighty towns.

|| And being come to Sikiley did Harald lay waste on that isle, and set
he his host over against a large town in which were many people.

So strong were the walls thereof that he feared it were doubtful an he
could brake them down. Now the townsfolk had enough of victuals and
other commodities which were required to withstand a siege, so hit
Harald on the craft of bidding his fowlers to catch small birds, which
had nests in the town & flew out during the day to seek food. On the
backs of these birds caused he to be tied shavings of red pine-wood on
which had he poured melted wax and brimstone; fire thereto was set, and
the birds even so soon as they were loose, flew with one accord at once
to the town with the intent to seek their young and to hie them to their
own nests which were under the roofs.

And these roofs were thatched with reeds or straw.

Then the fire from the birds spread to the eaves, and t