Heimskringla; Or, The Chronicle of the Kings of NorwaySnorri Sturluson
History
Heimskringla; Or, The Chronicle of the Kings of Norway
Snorri Sturluson
Iceland -- History; Norway -- History; Sagas -- Translations into English; Scandinavia -- History
Hjalte says, "It is their lot who follow kings that they enjoy high
honours, and are more respected than other men, but stand often in
danger of their lives: and they must understand how to bear both parts
of their lot. The king's luck is great; and much honour will be gained
by this business, if it succeed."
Bjorn answered, "Since thou makest so light of this business in thy
speech, wilt thou go with me? The king has promised that I shall have
companions with me on the journey."
"Certainly," says Hjalte; "I will follow thee, if thou wilt: for never
again shall I fall in with such a comrade if we part."
68. JOURNEY OF BJORN THE MARSHAL.
A few days afterwards, when the king was at a Thing-meeting, Bjorn came
with eleven others. He says to the king that they were now ready to
proceed on their mission, and that their horses stood saddled at the
door. "And now," says he, "I would know with what errand I am to go, or
what orders thou givest us."
The king replies, "Ye shall carry these my words to the Swedish
king--that I will establish peace between our countries up to the
frontier which Olaf Trygvason had before me; and each shall bind himself
faithfully not to trespass over it. But with regard to the loss of
people, no man must mention it if peace there is to be; for the Swedish
king cannot with money pay for the men the Swedes have deprived us of."
Thereupon the king rose, and went out with Bjorn and his followers; and
he took a gold-mounted sword and a gold ring, and said, in handing over
the sword to Bjorn, "This I give thee: it was given to me in summer by
Earl Ragnvald. To him ye shall go; and bring him word from me to advance
your errand with his counsel and strength. This thy errand I will think
well fulfilled if thou hearest the Swedish king's own words, be they
yea or nay: and this gold ring thou shalt give Earl Ragnvald. These are
tokens (1) he must know well."
Hjalte went up to the king, saluted him, and said, "We need much, king,
that thy luck attend us;" and wished that they might meet again in good
health.
The king asked where Hjalte was going.
"With Bjorn," said he.
The king said, "It will assist much to the good success of the journey
that thou goest too, for thy good fortune has often been proved; and be
assured that I shall wish that all my luck, if that be of any weight,
may attend thee and thy company."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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