g up from the south and had now gotten close to the island. King
Hacon was even then sitting at table.

Now came a rumour to the King's guard that ships were seen sailing;
wherefore some who were keenest of sight went out to look. And each said
to his fellows that this would be an enemy, and each bade other to tell
the King; but for this task none was found save Eyvind Finnsson, who was
nicknamed Skald-spoiler.

He went in before the King, and spake thus: 'Fleeting hour is short,
sire, but meal-time long.'

Said the King: 'Skald, what news?'

Eyvind answered:

'Vengers ('tis said) of Bloodaxe crave
The battle-shock of belted glaive;
Our sitting-time is done.
Hard task, but 'tis thine honour, King,
I seek, who here war tidings bring.
Arm swiftly, every one!'

Then answered the King: 'Eyvind, thou art a brave wight and a wise; thou
wouldst not tell war tidings unless they were true.' Whereupon all said
that this was true, that ships were sailing that way, and within short
space of the island. And at once the tables were taken up, and the King
went out to see the fleet.

But when he had seen it he called to him his counsellors, and asked what
should be done.

'Here be sailing many ships from the south: we have a force small but
goodly. Now, I wish not to lead my best friends into overwhelming
danger; but surely would be willing to flee, if wise men should not deem
that this were great shame or folly.'

Then made answer each to other that everyone would rather fall dead
across his fellow than flee before Danes.

Whereat the King said: 'Well spoken for heroes as ye are! And let each
take his weapons, nor care how many Danes there be to one Norseman.'

Thereafter the King took his shield, and donned his coat of ring-mail,
and girded him with the sword Millstone-biter, and set a golden helm on
his head. Then did he marshal his force, putting together his bodyguard
and the guests of the feast.

Gunnhilda's sons now came up on land, and they likewise marshalled their
force, and it was by far the larger. The day was hot and sunny; so King
Hacon slipped off his mail coat and raised his helm, and egged on his
men to the onset laughing, and thus cheered his warriors by his blithe
bearing. Then the fight began, and it was most stubborn. When the
missiles were all thrown, King Hacon drew sword and stood in front under
the banner, and hewed right and