Harald Grafeld went to Denmark in the summer (A.D. 969) with three long-ships; and Herse Arinbjorn, from the Fjord district, commanded one of them. King Harald sailed from Viken over to Limfjord in Jutland, and landed at the narrow neck of land where the Danish king was expected. Now when Gold Harald heard of this, he sailed there with nine ships which he had fitted out before for a viking cruise. Earl Hakon had also his war force on foot; namely, twelve large ships, all ready, with which he proposed to make an expedition. When Gold Harald had departed Earl Hakon says to the king, "Now I don't know if we are not sailing on an expedition, and yet are to pay the penalty of not having joined it. Gold Harald may kill Harald Grafeld, and get the kingdom of Norway; but you must not think he will be true to you, although you do help him to so much power, for he told me in winter that he would take your life if he could find opportunity to do so. Now I will win Norway for you, and kill Gold Harald, if you will promise me a good condition under you. I will be your earl; swear an oath of fidelity to you, and, with your help, conquer all Norway for you; hold the country under your rule; pay you the scat and taxes; and you will be a greater king than your father, as you will have two kingdoms under you." The king and the earl agreed upon this, and Hakon set off to seek Gold Harald. 13. DEATH OF HARALD GRAFELD. Gold Harald came to the neck of land at Limfjord, and immediately challenged Harald Grafeld to battle; and although Harald had fewer men, he went immediately on the land, prepared for battle, and drew up his troops. Before the lines came together Harald Grafeld urged on his men, and told them to draw their swords. He himself advanced the foremost of the troop, hewing down on each side. So says Glum Geirason, in Grafeld's lay:-- "Brave were thy words in battlefield, Thou stainer of the snow-white shield!-- Thou gallant war-god! With thy voice Thou couldst the dying man rejoice: The cheer of Harald could impart Courage and life to every heart. While swinging high the blood-smeared sword, By arm and voice we knew our lord." There fell Harald Grafeld. So says Glum Geirason:-- "On Limfjord's strand, by the tide's flow, Stern Fate has laid King Harald low; The gallant viking-cruiser--he Who loved the isle-encircling sea. The generous ruler of the land Fell at the narrow Limfjord strand. Enticed by Hakon's cunning speech To his death-bed on Limfjord's beach." The most of King Harald's men fell with him. There also fell Herse Arinbjorn.