hough each bird
bore but a little burden of fire nevertheless in a brief space was
kindled a great fire, for many birds bore fire to the roofs that were of
the town. Thereafter there burned one house after the other until the
town itself was all aflame, and all the people came out therefrom and
begged for grace.

Yea was this that same folk that for many a day had talked proudly and
with mocking despite of the Greek host and the chief thereof. Harald
gave quarter to all men who craved it, and thereafter held authority
over this town.

|| Another town was there to which Harald went with his host, & right
well peopled was it and strong withal, so much so indeed that it could
not be thought that he would be able to make assault thereon. Flat land
and hard lay round about the walls thereof, so Harald set his men to dig
a trench from the place whence a brook flowed, & that in a deep gulley
wherein men from the town could not spy.

The earth of the trench threw they out into the water and let the stream
bear it away; and in this work they continued even both by night and by
day with fresh shifts after a spell.

After this fashion did the host advance on the town day by day; and the
townsmen flocked to the battlements & both sides shot at one another,
but by night did all betake themselves to sleep.

Now when Harald wot that this hole that was in the earth was so long
that it must have come under and past the walls of the town bade he his
men arm themselves, & towards dawn went they into the trench, and when
they came to the end thereof dug they up above their heads until they
came to stones set in lime; and this was the floor of a stone hall. Anon
they brake up the floor and ascended into the hall, and there sat many
of the townsmen eating and drinking, and great was the mischance of
these good men for they were taken unawares. The Vaerings went about
with drawn swords, and straightway killed some of them though others
fled, to wit, those who could get out.

Some of the Vaerings sought after these townsmen while others went to
the gates to set them open, and by this way in marched the host that
pertained unto Harald.

Then did the townsfolk flee, though many prayed for mercy, and mercy did
all receive who gave themselves up.

In this way was it that Harald was possessed of the town, and therewith
acquired exceeding wealth.

|| The third town to which they came was the one that of all of the
island had waxed la