EARL ROGNVALD TAKES A CASTLE. THE tenth day of Yule-tide was a fine day, and Earl Rögnvald arose and commanded his men to arm themselves, and summoned them with trumpets to the attack of the castle. They dragged the wood close to it, and heaped up large piles round the walls. Then the Earl gave orders where each should make the attack. He himself with the Orkneymen had the attack from the south, Erling and Aslák from the west, Jón and Guttorm from the east, and Eindridi Ungi from the north. When they were ready for the attack, they set fire to the wood, and the Earl sang: Maids in lace and snow-white linen Bring us here the white wine sparkling. Fair to see was Ermingerda, When we met her in our travels. Fare we now to try the castle With our flaming oaken firebrands; Quickly leaping from the scabbard Gleams the sharp-edged smiter. Forward! Now they began to attack the castle vigorously, both with weapons and with fire. They shot missiles into it, for that was the only way of attack. The besieged did not stand firm on the walls, because they had to guard themselves against the missiles. They poured down burning pitch and brimstone, which, however, did very little harm to the Earl’s men. What Erling had foretold came to pass; the lime could not stand the fire, and the wall fell down, leaving large breaches open. A man named Sigmund Ongul (fish-hook), the Earl’s stepson, was one of the keenest in the attack, and frequently went in front of the Earl, although he was then hardly a full-grown man. When the attack had lasted for a while, all the besieged were driven from the wall. The wind blew from the south, and drove all the smoke towards Eindridi, and when the fire began to spread rapidly the Earl had water poured on it to cool the burnt stones, and then there was a short pause in the attack. The Earl sang a song: Now I mind me of the Yule-tide Which I spent with friends and brave men On the east of Agdir’s mountains, With the valiant warrior Sölmund; Now, again, another Yule-tide Am I in the same way busy At the south side of this castle, Adding to the din of weapons. Further he sang: Glad I was when that fair lady Listened to my love-tale’s telling; Hopelessly was I led captive By a Valland maid in autumn. Still I love the noble lady, And I spread the feast for eagles. Stone and lime, well bound together, Now before me fall asunder. Then Sigmund Ongul sang: