ThisbigvoyageandfurioussiegeofLondonisSveinDouble-beard’sfirstrealattempttofulfilthatvowofhisatFatherBlue-tooth’s\"funeralale，\"andconquerEngland，——whichitisapityhecouldnotyetdo。HadLondonnowfallentohim，itisprettyevidentallEnglandmusthavefollowed，andpoorEngland，withSveinaskingoverit，beendeliveredfromimmeasurablewoes，whichhadtolastsometwo-and-twentyyearsfarther，beforethisresultcouldbearrivedat。
ButfindingLondonimpregnableforthemoment（noshipabletogetathwartthebridge，andmanyDanesperishingintheattempttodoitbyswimming），SveinandOlafturnedtootherenterprises;allEnglandinamannerlyingopentothem，turnwhichwaytheyliked。TheyburntandplunderedoverKent，overHampshire，Sussex;theystormedfarandwide;worldlyingallbeforethemwheretochoose。WretchedEthelred，astheoneinventionhecouldfallupon，offeredthemDanegelt（16，000
poundsofsilverthisyear，butitroseinotheryearsashighas48，000pounds）;thedesperateEthelred，aclearmethodofquenchingfirebypouringoilonit！SveinandOlafaccepted;withdrewtoSouthampton，——Olafatleastdid，——tillthemoneywasgotready。
Strangetothinkof，fierceSveinoftheDouble-beard，andconquestofEnglandbyhim;thishadatlastbecometheonesalutaryresultwhichremainedforthatdistracted，down-trodden，nowutterlychaoticandanarchiccountry。AconqueringSvein，followedbyanablyandearnestlyadministrative，aswellasconquering，Knut（whomDahlmanncomparestoCharlemagne），werethusbythemysteriousdestiniesappointedtheeffectivesaviorsofEngland。
Tryggveson，onthisoccasion，wasagoodwhileatSouthampton;androamedextensivelyabout，easilyvictoriousovereverything，ifresistancewereattempted，butfindinglittleornone;andactingnowinapeaceableorevenfriendlycapacity。IntheSouthamptoncountryhecameincontactwiththethenBishopofWinchester，afterwardsArchbishopofCanterbury，excellentElphegus，stilldimlydecipherabletousasamanofgreatnaturaldiscernment，piety，andinbornveracity;ahero-soul，probablyofrealbrotherhoodwithOlaf’sown。
HeevenmadecourtvisitstoKingEthelred;onevisittohimatAndoverofaveryseriousnature。ByElphegus，aswecandiscover，hewasintroducedintotherealdepthsoftheChristianfaith。Elphegus，withduesolemnityofapparatus，inpresenceoftheking，atAndover，baptizedOlafanew，andtohimOlafengagedthathewouldneverplunderinEnglandanymore;whichpromise，too，hekept。Infact，notlongafter，Svein’sconquestofEnglandbeinginanevidentlyforwardstate，Tryggveson（havingmade，withal，agreatEnglishorIrishmarriage，——adowagerPrincess，whohadvoluntarilyfalleninlovewithhim，——seeSnorroforthisfineromanticfact！）mainlyresidedinourislandfortwoorthreeyears，orelseinDublin，intheprecinctsoftheDanishCourtthereintheSisterIsle。
AccordinglyitwasinDublin，asabovenoted，thatHakon’sspyfoundhim;andfromtheLiffeythathissquadronsailed，throughtheHebrides，throughtheOrkneys，plunderingandbaptizingintheirstrangeway，towardssuchsuccessaswehaveseen。
Tryggvesonmadeastout，and，ineffect，victoriousandgloriousstruggleforhimselfasking。Dailyandhourlyvigilanttodoso，oftenenoughbysoftandevenmerrymethods，forhewasawitty，jocundman，andhadafineringinglaughinhim，andclearpregnantwordseverready，——orifsoftmethodswouldnotserve，thenbyhardandevenhardestheputdownagreatdealofmiscellaneousanarchyinNorway;wasespeciallybusyagainstheathenism（devil-worshipanditsrites）：this，indeed，maybecalledthefocusandheartofallhisroyalendeavorinNorway，andofallthetroubleshenowhadwithhispeoplethere。Forthiswasaserious，vital，all-comprehendingmatter;devil-worship，athingnottobetoleratedonemomentlongerthanyoucouldbyanymethodhelp！Olaf’ssuccesswasintermittent，ofvaryingcomplexion;buthiseffort，swiftorslow，wasstrongandcontinual;andonthewholehedidsucceed。Takeasampleortwoofthatwonderfulconversionprocess：——
AtoneofhisfirstThingshefoundtheBondersallassembledinarms;
resolutetothedeathseemingly，againsthisproposalandhim。
Tryggvesonsaidlittle;waitedimpassive，\"Whatyourreasonsare，goodmen？\"OnezealousBonderstartedupinpassionateparliamentaryeloquence;butafterasentenceortwo，brokedown;one，andthenanother，andstillanother，andremainedallthreestaringinopen-mouthedsilencethere！Thepeasant-proprietorsacceptedthephenomenonasludicrous，perhapspartlyasmiraculouswithal，andconsentedtobaptismthistime。
OnanotheroccasionofaThing，whichhadassemblednearsomeheathentempletomeethim，——templewhereHakonJarlhaddonemuchrepairing，andsetupmanyidolfiguresandsumptuousornaments，regardlessofexpense，especiallyaverybigandsplendidThor，withmassivegoldcollarroundtheneckofhim，notthelikeofitinNorway，——KingOlafTryggvesonwasclamorouslyinvitedbytheBonderstostepinthere，enlightenhiseyes，andpartakeofthesacredrites。Insteadofwhichherushedintothetemplewithhisarmedmen;smasheddown，withhisownbattle-axe，thegodThor，prostrateonthegroundatonestroke，tosetanexample;and，inafewminutes，hadthewholeHakonPantheonwrecked;packingupmeanwhileallthegoldandpreciositiesaccumulatedthere（notforgettingThor’sillustriousgoldcollar，ofwhichweshallhearagain），andvictoriouslytooktheplunderhomewithhimforhisownroyalusesandbehoofofthestate。
Inothercases，thoughafriendtostrongmeasures，hehadtoholdin，andawaitthefavorablemoment。Thusonce，inbeginningaparliamentaryaddress，sosoonashecametotouchuponChristianity，theBondersroseinmurmurs，invociferationsandjinglingofarms，whichquitedrownedtheroyalvoice;declared，theyhadtakenarmsagainstkingHakontheGoodtocompelhimtodesistfromhisChristianproposals;andtheydidnotthinkKingOlafahighermanthanhim（HakontheGood）。Thekingthensaid，\"HepurposedcomingtothemnextYuletotheirgreatsacrificialfeast，toseeforhimselfwhattheircustomswere，\"whichpacifiedtheBondersforthistime。TheappointedplaceofmeetingwasagainaHakon-JarlTemple，notyetdonetoruin;chiefshrineinthoseTrondhjemparts，Ibelieve：thereshouldTryggvesonappearatYule。Well，butbeforeYulecame，TryggvesonmadeagreatbanquetinhispalaceatTrondhjem，andinvitedfarandwide，allmannerofimportantpersonsoutofthedistrictasgueststhere。Banquethardlydone，Tryggvesongavesomeslightsignal，uponwhicharmedmenstrodein，seizedelevenoftheseprincipalpersons，andthekingsaid：\"Sincehehimselfwastobecomeaheathenagain，anddosacrifice，itwashispurposetodoitinthehighestform，namely，thatofHumanSacrifice;andthistimenotofslavesandmalefactors，butofthebestmeninthecountry！\"Inwhichstringentcircumstancestheelevenseizedpersons，andcompanyatlarge，gaveunanimousconsenttobaptism;straightwayreceivedthesame，andabjuredtheiridols;butwerenotpermittedtogohometilltheyhadleft，insons，brothers，andotherpreciousrelatives，sufficienthostagesintheking’shands。
Byunweariedindustryofthisandbetterkinds，Tryggvesonhadtrampleddownidolatry，sofarasformwent，——howfarinsubstancemaybegreatlydoubted。Butitistoberememberedwithal，thatalwaysonthebackofthesecompulsoryadventurestherefollowedEnglishbishops，priestsandpreachers;wherebytotheopen-minded，conviction，toalldegreesofit，wasattainable，whilesilenceandpassivitybecamethedutyornecessityoftheunconvincedparty。
InabouttwoyearsNorwaywasallgoneoverwitharoughharrowofconversion。Heathenismatleastconstrainedtobesilentandoutwardlyconformable。Tryggveson，nextturnedhisattentiontoIceland，sentoneThangbrand，priestfromSaxony，ofwonderfulqualities，militaryaswellastheological，totryandconvertIceland。Thangbrandmadeafewconverts;forOlafhadalreadymanyestimableIcelandfriends，whomhelikedmuch，andwasmuchlikedby;
andconversionwasthereadyroadtohisfavor。Thangbrand，Ifind，lodgedwithHallofSida（familiaracquaintanceof\"BurntNjal，\"whoseSagahasitsadmirersamongusevennow）。ThangbrandconvertedHallandoneortwootherleadingmen，;butingeneralhewasreckonedquarrelsomeandblusterousratherthaneloquentandpiouslyconvincing。TwoskaldsofreputemadebitinglampoonsuponThangbrand，whomThangbrand，bytwoopportunitiesthatoffered，cutdownanddidtodeathbecauseoftheirskaldicquality。Anotherhekilledwithhisownhand，Iknownotforwhatreason。Inbrief，afteraboutayear，ThangbrandreturnedtoNorwayandkingOlaf;declaringtheIcelanderstobeaperverse，satirical，andinconvertiblepeople，havinghimself，therecordsays，\"beenthedeathofthreementhere。\"
KingOlafwasinhighrageatthisresult;butwaspersuadedbytheIcelandersabouthimtotryfarther，andbyawilderinstrument。HeaccordinglychoseoneThormod，apious，patient，andkindlyman，who，withinthenextyearorso，didactuallyaccomplishthematter;
namely，getChristianity，byopenvote，declaredatThingvallabythegeneralThingofIcelandthere;theroarofabigthunder-clapattherightmomentratherhelpingtheconclusion，ifIrecollect。WhereuponOlaf’sjoywasnodoubtgreat。
Onegeneralresultofthesesuccessfuloperationswasthediscontent，toallmannerofdegrees，onthepartofmanyNorseindividuals，againstthisgloriousandvictorious，butperemptoryandterriblekingoftheirs。Tryggveson，Ifancy，didnotmuchregardallthat;amanofjoyful，cheerytemper，habituallycontemptuousofdanger。Anothertrivialmisfortunethatbefellintheseconversionoperations，andbecameimportanttohim，hedidnotevenknowof，andwouldhavemuchdespisedifhehad。Itwasthis：Sigrid，queendowagerofSweden，thoughttobeamongstthemostshiningwomenoftheworld，wasalsoknownforoneofthemostimperious，revengeful，andrelentless，andhadgotforherselfthenameofSigridtheProud。Inherhighwidowhoodshehadnaturallymanywooers;buttreatedtheminamannerunexampled。Twoofhersuitors，asimultaneousTwo，were，KingHaraldGraenske（acousinofKingTryggveson’s，andkindofkinginsomedistrict，bysufferanceofthelateHakon’s），——thislucklessGraenskeandthethenRussianSovereignaswell，namenotworthmentioning，werezealoussuitorsofQueenDowagerSigrid，andwereperverselyslowtoacceptthenegative，whichinherheartwasinexorableforboth，thoughtheexpressionofitcouldnotbequitesoemphatic。Byill-luckforthemtheycameonce，——fromthefarWest，Graenske;fromthefarEast，theRussian;——andarrivedbothtogetheratSigrid’scourt，toprosecutetheirimportunate，andtoherodiousandtiresomesuit;much，howverymuch，toherimpatienceanddisdain。Shelodgedthembothinsomeoldmansion，whichshehadcontiguous，andgotcompendiouslyfurnishedforthem;andthere，Iknownotwhetheronthefirstoronthesecond，oronwhatfollowingnight，thisunparalleledQueenSigridhadthehousesurrounded，setonfire，andthetwosuitorsandtheirpeopleburnttoashes！Nomoreofbotherfromthesetwoatleast！Thisappearstobeafact;anditcouldnotbeunknowntoTryggveson。
Inspiteofwhich，however，therewentfromTryggveson，whowasnowawidower，someincipientmarriageproposalstothisproudwidow;bywhomtheywerefavorablyreceived;asfromthebrightestmaninalltheworld，theymightseemworthbeing。Now，inoneoftheseanti-heathenonslaughtsofKingOlaf’sontheidoltemplesofHakon——（IthinkitwasthatcasewhereOlaf’sownbattle-axestruckdownthemonstrousrefulgentThor，andconqueredanimmensegoldringfromtheneckofhim，orfromthedoorofhistemple），——ahugegoldring，atanyrate，hadcomeintoOlaf’shands;andthishebethoughthimmightbeaprettypresenttoQueenSigrid，thenowfavorable，thoughtheproud。Sigridreceivedtheringwithjoy;fanciedwhatacollaritwouldmakeforherownfairneck;butnoticedthathertwogoldsmiths，weighingitontheirfingers，exchangedaglance。\"Whatisthat？\"exclaimedQueenSigrid。\"Nothing，\"answeredthey，orendeavoredtoanswer，dreadingmischief。ButSigridcompelledthemtobreakopenthering;andtherewasfound，allalongtheinsideofit，anoccultringofcopper，notaheartofgoldatall！\"Ha，\"saidtheproudQueen，flingingitaway，\"hethatcoulddeceiveinthismattercandeceiveinmanyothers！\"AndwasinhotwrathwithOlaf;though，bydegrees，againshetookmilderthoughts。
Milderthoughts，wesay;andconsentedtoameetingnextautumn，atsomehalf-waystation，wheretheirgreatbusinessmightbebroughttoahappysettlementandbetrothment。BothOlafTryggvesonandthehighdowagerappeartohavebeentolerablyofwillingmindatthismeeting;
butOlafinterposed，whatwasalwaysoneconditionwithhim，\"Thoumustconsenttobaptism，andgiveupthyidol-gods。\"\"Theyarethegodsofallmyforefathers，\"answeredthelady，\"choosethouwhatgodsthoupleasest，butleavememine。\"Whereuponanaltercation;andTryggveson，aswashiswont，toweredupintoshiningwrath，andexclaimedatlast，\"WhyshouldIcareabouttheethen，oldfadedheathencreature？\"Andimpatientlywagginghisglove，hither，orslightlyswitchedher，onthefacewithit，andcontemptuouslyturningaway，walkedoutoftheadventure。\"Thisisafeatthatmaycosttheedearoneday，\"saidSigrid。Andintheenditcametodoso，littleasthemagnificentOlafdeignedtothinkofitatthemoment。
OneofthelastscufflesIrememberofOlaf’shavingwithhisrefractoryheathens，wasataThinginHordalandorRogaland，farintheNorth，wherethechiefoppositionherowasoneJaernskaegg（\"ironbeard\"）Scottice（\"Airn-shag，\"asitwere！）。Hereagainwasagrandheathentemple，HakonJarl’sbuilding，withasplendidThorinitandmuchidolfurniture。Thekingstatedwhatwashisconstantwishhereaselsewhere，buthadnosoonerentereduponthesubjectofChristianitythanuniversalmurmur，risingintoclangorandviolentdissent，interruptedhim，andIronbeardtookupthediscourseinreply。Ironbearddidnotbreakdown;onthecontrary，he，withgreatbrevity，emphasis，andclearness，signified\"thattheproposaltorejecttheiroldgodswasinthehighestdegreeunacceptabletothisThing;thatitwascontrarytobargain，withal;sothatifitwereinsistedon，theywouldhavetofightwiththekingaboutit;andinfactwerenowreadytodoso。\"Inreplytothis，Olaf，withoutworduttered，butmerelywithsomesignaltothetrustyarmedmenhehadwithhim，rushedofftothetemplecloseathand;burstintoit，shuttingthedoorbehindhim;smashedThorandCo。todestruction;
thenreappearingvictorious，foundmuchconfusionoutside，and，inparticular，whatwasamostimportantitem，theruggedIronbearddonetodeathbyOlaf’smenintheinterim。WhichentirelydisheartenedtheThingfromfightingatthatmoment;havingnownoleaderwhodaredtoheadtheminsodangerousanenterprise。Sothateveryonedepartedtodigesthisrageinsilenceashecould。
Mattershavingcooledforaweekortwo，therewasanotherThingheld;
inwhichKingOlaftestifiedregretforthequarrelthathadfallenout，readinesstopaywhat_mulct_wasduebylawforthatunluckyhomicideofIronbeardbyhispeople;and，withal，totakethefairdaughterofIronbeardtowife，ifallwouldcomplyandbefriendswithhiminothermatters;whichwasthecourseresolvedonasmostconvenient：acceptbaptism，we;marryJaernskaegg’sdaughter，you。
Thisbargainheldonbothsides。Thewedding，too，wascelebrated，butthattookratherastrangeturn。Onthemorningofthebride-night，Olaf，whohadnotbeensleeping，thoughhisfairpartnerthoughthehad，openedhiseyes，andsaw，withastonishment，thefairpartneraimingalongknifereadytostrikehomeuponhim！Whichatonceendedtheirweddedlife;poorDemoiselleIronbeardimmediatelybundlingoffwithherattendantshomeagain;KingOlafintotheapartmentofhisservants，mentioningtherewhathadhappened，andforbiddinganyofthemtofollowher。
OlafTryggveson，thoughhiskingdomwasthesmallestoftheNorseThree，hadrisentoarenownoveralltheNorseworld，whichneitherheofDenmarknorheofSwedencouldpretendtorival。Amagnificent，far-shiningman;moreexpertinall\"bodilyexercises\"astheNorsecallthem，thananymanhadeverbeenbeforehim，orafterwas。Couldkeepfivedaggersintheair，alwayscatchingtheproperfifthbyitshandle，andsendingitaloftagain;couldshootsupremely，throwajavelinwitheitherhand;and，infact，inbattleusuallythrowtwotogether。These，withswimming，climbing，leaping，werethethenadmirableFineArtsoftheNorth;inallwhichTryggvesonappearstohavebeentheRaphaelandtheMichaelAngeloatonce。Essentiallydefinable，too，ifwelookwellintohim，asawildbitofrealheroism，insuchrudeguiseandenvironment;ahigh，true，andgreathumansoul。Ajovialburstoflaughterinhim，withal;abright，airy，wisewayofspeech;dressedbeautifullyandwithcare;amanadmiredandlovedexceedinglybythoseheliked;dreadedasdeathbythosehedidnotlike。\"Hardlyanyking，\"saysSnorro，\"waseversowellobeyed;byoneclassoutofzealandlove，bytherestoutofdread。\"Hisgloriouscourse，however，wasnottolastlong。
KingSveinoftheDouble-BeardhadnotyetcompletedhisconquestofEngland，——bynomeansyet，somethirteenhorridyearsofthatstillbeforehim！——when，overinDenmark，hefoundthatcomplaintsagainsthimandintricacieshadarisen，onthepartprincipallyofoneBurislav，KingoftheWends（faruptheBaltic），andinalessdegreewiththeKingofSwedenandotherminorindividuals。Sveinearnestlyappliedhimselftosettlethese，andhavehishandsfree。Burislav，anagedheathengentleman，provedreasonableandconciliatory;so，too，theKingofSweden，andDowagerQueenSigrid，hismanagingmother。Bargaininboththesecasesgotsealedandcrownedbymarriage。Svein，whohadbecomeawidowerlately，nowweddedSigrid;
andmightthink，possiblyenough，hehadgotaproudbargain，thoughaheathenone。BurislavalsoinsistedonmarriagewithPrincessThyri，theDouble-Beard’ssister。Thyri，inexpressiblydisinclinedtowedanagedheathenofthatstamp，pleadedhardwithherbrother;buttheDouble-Beardedwasinexorable;Thyri’swailingsandentreatieswentfornothing。Withsomeguardianfoster-brother，andaserving-maidortwo，shehadtogoonthishatedjourney。OldBurislav，atsightofher，blazedoutintomarriage-feastofsuprememagnificence，andwascharmedtoseeher;butThyriwouldnotjointhemarriageparty;
refusedtoeatwithitorsitwithitatall。Dayafterday，forsixdays，flatlyrefused;andafternightfallofthesixth，glidedoutwithherfoster-brotherintothewoods，intoby-pathsandinconceivablewanderings;and，ineffect，gothometoDenmark。
BrotherSveinwasnotforthemomentthere;probablyenoughgonetoEnglandagain。ButThyriknewtoowellhewouldnotallowhertostayhere，oranywherethathecouldhelp，exceptwiththeoldheathenshehadjustfledfrom。
Thyri，lookingroundtheworld，sawnolikelyroadforher，buttoOlafTryggvesoninNorway;tobegprotectionfromthemostheroicmansheknewofintheworld。Olaf，exceptbyrenown，wasnotknowntoher;butbyrenownhewellwas。Olaf，atsightofher，promisedprotectionandasylumagainstallmortals。Nay，indiscoursingwithThyriOlafperceivedmoreandmoreclearlywhatafinehandsomebeing，soulandbody，Thyriwas;andinashortspaceoftimewindedupbyproposingmarriagetoThyri;who，humbly，andwemayfancywithwhatsecretjoy，consentedtosayyes，andbecomeQueenofNorway。Intheduemonthstheyhadalittleson，Harald;who，itiscrediblyrecorded，wasthejoyofbothhisparents;butwho，totheirinexpressiblesorrow，inaboutayeardied，andvanishedfromthem。
This，andoneotherfactnowtobementioned，isalltheweddedhistorywehaveofThyri。
Theotherfactis，thatThyrihad，byinheritanceorcovenant，notdependingonhermarriagewitholdBurislav，considerablepropertiesinWendland;which，sheoftenreflected，mightbenotalittlebehoovefultoherhereinNorway，wherehercivil-listwasprobablybutstraitened。Shespokeofthistoherhusband;butherhusbandwouldtakenohold，merelymadehergifts，andsaid，\"Pooh，pooh，can’twelivewithoutoldBurislavandhisWendlandproperties？\"SothattheladysankintoeverdeeperanxietyandeagernessaboutthisWendlandobject;tooktoweeping;satweepingwholedays;andwhenOlafasked，\"Whatailsthee，then？\"wouldanswer，ordidansweronce，\"WhatadifferentmanmyfatherHaraldGormsonwas[vulgarlycalledBlue-tooth]，comparedwithsomethatarenowkings！FornoKingSveinintheworldwouldHaraldGormsonhavegivenuphisownorhiswife’sjustrights！\"WhereuponTryggvesonstartedup，exclaiminginsomeheat，\"OfthybrotherSveinIneverwasafraid;ifSveinandImeetincontest，itwillnotbeSvein，Ibelieve，thatconquers;\"andwentoffinatoweringfume。Consented，however，atlast，hadtoconsent，togethisfinefleetequippedandarmed，anddecidetosailwithittoWendlandtohavespeechandsettlementwithKingBurislav。
TryggvesonhadalreadyshipsandnaviesthatwerethewonderoftheNorth。Especiallyinbuildingwarships，theCrane，theSerpent，lastofalltheLongSerpent，[7]——hehad，forsize，foroutwardbeauty，andinwardperfectionofequipment，transcendedallexample。
Thisnewseaexpeditionbecameanobjectofattentiontoallneighbors;especiallyQueenSigridtheProudandSveinDouble-Beard，hernowking，wereattentivetoit。
\"ThisinsolentTryggveson，\"QueenSigridwouldoftensay，andhadlongbeensaying，toherSvein，\"tomarrythysisterwithoutleavehadoraskedofthee;andnowflauntingforthhiswarnavies，asifhe，kingonlyofpaltryNorway，werethebigherooftheNorth！Whydoyousufferit，youkingsreallygreat？\"
Bysuchpersuasionsandreiterations，KingSveinofDenmark，KingOlafofSweden，andJarlEric，nowagreatmanthere，grownrichbyprosperoussearobberyandothergoodmanagement，werebroughttotakethematterup，andcombinestrenuouslyfordestructionofKingOlafTryggvesononthisgrandWendlandexpeditionofhis。Fleetsandforceswerewithbestdiligencegotready;and，withal，acertainJarlSigwald，ofJomsburg，chieftainoftheJomsvikings，apowerful，plausible，andcunningman，wasappointedtofindmeansofjoininghimselftoTryggveson’sgrandvoyage，ofgettingintoTryggveson’sconfidence，andkeepingSveinDouble-Beard，Eric，andtheSwedishKingawareofallhismovements。
KingOlafTryggveson，unacquaintedwithallthis，sailedawayinsummer，withhissplendidfleet;wentthroughtheBeltswithprosperouswinds，underbrightskies，totheadmirationofbothshores。Suchafleet，withitsshiningSerpents，longandshort，andperfectionofequipmentandappearance，theBalticneversawbefore。
JarlSigwaldjoinedwithnewshipsbytheway：\"Had，\"hetoo，\"avisittoKingBurislavtopay;howcouldheeverdoitinbettercompany？\"andstudiouslyandskilfullyingratiatedhimselfwithKingOlaf。OldBurislav，whentheyarrived，provedaltogethercourteous，handsome，andamenable;agreedatoncetoOlaf’sclaimsforhisnowqueen，didtheritesofhospitalitywithagenerousplenitudetoOlaf;
whocheerilyrenewedacquaintancewiththatcountry，knowntohiminearlydays（thecradleofhisfortunesinthevikingline），andfoundoldfriendstherestillsurviving，joyfultomeethimagain。JarlSigwaldencouragedthesedelays，KingSveinandCo。notbeingyetquiteready。\"Getready！\"Sigwalddirectedthem，andtheydiligentlydid。Olaf’smen，theirbusinessnowdone，wereimpatienttobehome;
andgrudgedeverydayofloiteringthere;but，tillSigwaldpleased，suchhispowerofflatteringandcajolingTryggveson，theycouldnotgetaway。
Atlength，Sigwald’ssecretmessengersreportingallreadyonthepartofSveinandCo。，OlaftookfarewellofBurislavandWendland，andallgladlysailedaway。Svein，Eric，andtheSwedishking，withtheircombinedfleets，layinwaitbehindsomecapeinasafelittlebayofsomeisland，thencalledSvolde，butnotinourtimetobefound;theBaltictumultsinthefourteenthcenturyhavingswallowedit，assomethink，andleavingusuncertainwhetheritwasintheneighborhoodofRugenIslandorintheSoundofElsinore。TherelaySvein，Eric，andCo。waitingtillTryggvesonandhisfleetcameup，Sigwald’sspymessengersdailyreportingwhatprogressheandithadmade。Atlength，onebrightsummermorning，thefleetmadeappearance，sailinginlooseorder，Sigwald，asoneacquaintedwiththeshoalplaces，steeringahead，andshowingthemtheway。
Snorrorisesintooneofhispictorialfits，seizedwithenthusiasmatthethoughtofsuchafleet，andreportstouslargelyinwhatorderTryggveson’swingedCoursersoftheDeep，inlongseries，forperhapsanhourormore，cameon，andwhatthethreepotentates，fromtheirknollofvantage，saidofeachasithoveinsight，SveinthriceoverguessedthisandtheothernoblevesseltobetheLongSerpent;Eric，alwayscorrectinghim，\"No，thatisnottheLongSerpentyet\"（andasidealways），\"Norshallyoubelordofit，king，whenitdoescome。\"
TheLongSerpentitselfdidmakeappearance。Eric，Svein，andtheSwedishkinghurriedonboard，andpushedoutoftheirhiding-placeintotheopensea。TreacherousSigwald，atthebeginningofallthis，hadsuddenlydoubledthatcapeoftheirs，andstruckintothebayoutofsight，leavingtheforemostTryggvesonshipsastonished，anduncertainwhattodo，ifitwerenotsimplytostrikesailandwaittillOlafhimselfwiththeLongSerpentarrived。
Olaf’schiefcaptains，seeingtheenemy’shugefleetcomeout，andhowthematterlay，stronglyadvisedKingOlaftoeludethisstrokeoftreachery，and，withallsail，holdonhiscourse，fightbeingnowonsounequalterms。Snorrosays，theking，highonthequarter-deckwherehestood，replied，\"Strikethesails;nevershallmenofminethinkofflight。Ineverfledfrombattle。LetGoddisposeofmylife;butflightIwillnevertake。\"Andsothebattlearrangementsimmediatelybegan，andthebattlewithallfurywentloose;andlastedhourafterhour，tillalmostsunset，ifIwellrecollect。\"OlafstoodontheSerpent’squarter-deck，\"saysSnorro，\"highovertheothers。
Hehadagiltshieldandahelmetinlaidwithgold;overhisarmorhehadashortredcoat，andwaseasilydistinguishedfromothermen。\"
Snorro’saccountofthebattleisaltogetheranimated，graphic，andsominutethatantiquariesgatherfromit，ifsodisposed（whichwebutlittleare），whatthemethodsofNorsesea-fightingwere;theirshootingofarrows，castingofjavelins，pitchingofbigstones，ultimatelyboarding，andmutualclashingandsmashing，whichitwouldnotavailustospeakofhere。Olafstoodconspicuousallday，throwingjavelins，ofdeadlyaim，withbothhandsatonce;
encouraging，fightingandcommandinglikeahighestsea-king。
TheDanishfleet，theSwedishfleet，were，bothofthem，quicklydealtwith，andsuccessivelywithdrewoutofshot-range。AndthenJarlEriccameup，andfiercelygrappledwiththeLongSerpent，or，rather，withhersurroundingcomrades;andgradually，astheywerebeatenemptyofmen，withtheLongSerpentherself。Thefightgreweverfiercer，morefurious。EricwassuppliedwithnewmenfromtheSwedesandDanes;
Olafhadnosuchresource，exceptfromthecrewsofhisownbeatenships，andatlengththisalsofailedhim;allhisships，excepttheLongSerpent，beingbeatenandemptied。Olaffoughtonunyielding。
Erictwiceboardedhim，wastwicerepulsed。Olafkepthisquarterdeck;unconquerable，thoughleftnowmoreandmorehopeless，fatallyshortofhelp。Atallyoungman，calledEinarTamberskelver，verycelebratedandimportantafterwardsinNorway，andalreadythebestarcherknown，keptbusywithhisbow。TwicehenearlyshotJarlEricinhisship。\"Shootmethatman，\"saidJarlErictoabowmannearhim;and，justasTamberskelverwasdrawinghisbowthethirdtime，anarrowhititinthemiddleandbrokeitintwo。\"Whatisthisthathasbroken？\"askedKingOlaf。\"Norwayfromthyhand，king，\"
answeredTamberskelver。Tryggveson’smen，heobservedwithsurprise，werestrikingviolentlyonEric’s;buttonopurpose：nobodyfell。
\"Howisthis？\"askedTryggveson。\"Ourswordsarenotchedandblunted，king;theydonotcut。\"Olafsteptdowntohisarm-chest;
deliveredoutnewswords;anditwasobservedashedidit，bloodrantricklingfromhiswrist;butnoneknewwherethewoundwas。Ericboardedathirdtime。Olaf，leftwithhardlymorethanoneman，sprangoverboard（oneseesthatredcoatofhisstillglancingintheeveningsun），andsankinthedeepwaterstohislongrest。
Rumorranamonghispeoplethathestillwasnotdead;groundingonsomemovementbytheshipsofthattraitorousSigwald，theyfanciedOlafhaddivedbeneaththekeelsofhisenemies，andgotawaywithSigwald，asSigwaldhimselfevidentlydid。\"Muchwashoped，supposed，spoken，\"saysoneoldmourningSkald;\"butthetruthwas，OlafTryggvesonwasneverseeninNorselandmore。\"Strangelyheremainsstillashiningfiguretous;thewildlybeautifulestman，inbodyandinsoul，thatonehaseverheardofintheNorth。
CHAPTERVIII。
JARLSERICANDSVEIN。
JarlEric，splendentwiththisvictory，nottospeakofthatovertheJomsburgerswithhisfatherlongago，wasnowmadeGovernorofNorway：
Governororquasi-sovereign，withhisbrother，Jarl。Svein，aspartner，who，however，tookbutlittlehandingoverning;——and，underthepatronageofSveinDouble-BeardandthethenSwedishking（Olafhisname，SigridtheProud，hismother’s），administeredit，theysay，withskillandprudenceforabovefourteenyears。Tryggveson’sdeathisunderstoodandlaboriouslycomputedtohavehappenedintheyear1000;butthereisnoexactchronologyinthesethings，butacontinualuncertainguessingaftersuch;sothatoneeyeinHistoryasregardsthemisasifputout;——neitherindeedhaveIyethadthelucktofindanydecipherableandintelligiblemapofNorway：sothattheothereyeofHistoryismuchblindedwithal，andherpaththroughthosewildregionsandepochsisanextremelydimandchaoticone。Anevilthatmuchdemandsremedying，andespeciallywantssomefirstattemptatremedying，byinquirersintoEnglishHistory;thewholeperiodfromEgbert，thefirstSaxonKingofEngland，ontoEdwardtheConfessor，thelast，beingeverywherecompletelyinterwovenwiththatoftheirmysterious，continuallyinvasive\"Danes，\"astheycallthem，andinextricablyunintelligibletillthesealsogettobealittleunderstood，andceasetobeutterlydark，hideous，andmythicaltousastheynoware。
KingOlafTryggvesonisthefirstNorsemanwhoisexpresslymentionedtohavebeeninEnglandbyourEnglishHistorybooks，neworold;andofhimitismerelysaidthathehadaninterviewwithKingEthelredII。atAndover，ofapacificandfriendlynature，——thoughitisabsurdlyaddedthatthenobleOlafwasconvertedtoChristianitybythatextremelystupidRoyalPerson。GreatercontrastinaninterviewthaninthisatAndover，betweenheroicOlafTryggvesonandEthelredtheforeverUnready，wasnotperhapsseenintheterrestrialPlanetthatday。Olafor\"Olaus，\"or\"Anlaf，\"astheynamehim，did\"engageonoathtoEthelrednottoinvadeEnglandanymore，\"andkepthispromise，theyfarthersay。Essentiallyatruth，aswealreadyknow，thoughthecircumstanceswerealldifferent;andthepromisewastoadevoutHighPriest，nottoacrownedBlockheadandcowardlyDo-nothing。Oneother\"Olaus\"IfindmentionedinourBooks，twoorthreecenturiesbefore，atatimewhenthereexistednosuchindividual;nottospeakofseveralAnlafs，whosometimesseemtomeanOlafandstilloftenertomeannobodypossible。WhichoccasionsnotalittleobscurityinourearlyHistory，saysthelearnedSelden。A
thingremediable，too，inwhich，ifanyEnglishmanofduegenius（orevencapacityforstandinglabor），whounderstoodtheIcelandicandAnglo-Saxonlanguages，wouldengageinit，hemightdoagreatdealofgood，andbringthematterintoacomparativelylucidstate。Vainaspirations，——orperhapsnotaltogethervain。
AtthetimeofOlafTryggveson’sdeath，andindeedlongbefore，KingSveinDouble-BeardhadalwaysforchiefenterprisetheConquestofEngland，andfolloweditbyfitswithextremeviolenceandimpetus;
oftenadvancinglargelytowardsasuccessfulconclusion;butnever，forthirteenyearsyet，gettingitconcluded。HepossessedlongsinceallEnglandnorthofWatlingStreet。Thatistosay，Northumberland，EastAnglia（naturallyfullofDanishsettlersbythistime），werefixedlyhis;Mercia，hisoftenerthannot;Wessexitself，withallthecoasts，hewasfreetovisit，andtoburnandrobinatdiscretion。
Thereorelsewhere，EthelredtheUnreadyhadnobattleinhimwhatever;and，forafortyyearsafterthebeginningofhisreign，Englandexcelledinanarchicstupidity，murderousdevastation，uttermisery，platitude，andsluggishcontemptibility，allthecountriesonehasreadof。Apparentlyaveryopulentcountry，too;areadyskillinsuchartsandfineartsastherewere;Svein’sveryships，theysay，hadtheirgolddragons，top-mastpennons，andothermetallicsplendorsgenerallywroughtfortheminEngland。\"Unexampledprosperity\"inthemanufacturewaynotunknownthere，itwouldseem！Butco-existingwithsuchspiritualbankruptcyaswasalsounexampled，onewouldhope。
ReadLupus（Wulfstan），ArchbishopofYork’samazing_Sermon_onthesubject，[8]addressedtocontemporaryaudiences;settingforthsuchastateofthings，——sonssellingtheirfathers，mothers，andsistersasSlavestotheDanishrobber;themselveslivingindebauchery，blusterousgluttony，anddepravity;thedetailsofwhicharewell-nighincredible，thoughclearlystatedasthingsgenerallyknown，——thehumorofthesepoorwretchessunktoastateofwhatwemaycallgreasydesperation，\"Letuseatanddrink，forto-morrowwedie。\"ThemannerinwhichtheytreatedtheirownEnglishnuns，ifyoung，good-looking，andcaptivetotheDanes;buyingthemonakindofbrutishorsubter-brutish\"GreatestHappinessPrinciple\"（forthemoment），andbyaJoint-Stockarrangement，fartranscendsallhumanspeechorimagination，andawakensinonethemomentaryred-hotthought，TheDaneshaveservedyouright，yeaccursed！Theso-calledsoldiers，onefinds，madenottheleastfightanywhere;couldmakenone，ledandguidedastheywere，andthe\"Generals\"oftenenoughtraitors，alwaysignorant，andblockheads，wereinthehabit，whenexpresslycommandedtofight，oftakingphysic，anddeclaringthatnaturewasincapableofcastor-oilandbattlebothatonce。ThisoughttobeexplainedalittletothemodernEnglishandtheirWar-Secretaries，whoundertaketheconductofarmies。Theundeniablefactis，defeatondefeatwastheconstantfateoftheEnglish;duringthesefortyyearsnotonebattleinwhichtheywerenotbeaten。NogleamofvictoryorrealresistancetillthenobleEdmundIronside（whomitisalwaysstrangetomehowsuchanEthelredcouldproduceforson）madehisappearanceandranhisbriefcourse，likeagreatandfar-seenmeteor，soonextinguishedwithoutresult。NoremedyforEnglandinthatbasetime，butyearlyaskingthevictorious，plundering，burningandmurderingDanes，\"Howmuchmoneywillyoutaketogoaway？\"Thirtythousandpoundsinsilver，whichtheannual_Danegelt_soonroseto，continuedtobeabouttheaverageyearlysum，thoughgenerallyontheincreasinghand;inthelastyearIthinkithadrisentoseventy-twothousandpoundsinsilver，raisedyearlybyatax（Income-taxofitskind，rudelylevied），theworstofallremedies，goodforthedayonly。Nay，therewasoneremedystillworse，whichthemiserableEthelredoncetried：thatofmassacring\"alltheDanessettledinEngland\"（practically，ofafewthousandsorhundredsofthem），bytreacheryandakindofSicilianVespers。Whichissued，assuchthingsusuallydo，interriblemonitiontoyounottotrythelikeagain！Issued，namely，inredoubledfuryontheDanishpart;newfiercerinvasionbySvein’sJarlThorkel;thenbySveinhimself;whichlatterdrovethemiserableEthelred，withwifeandfamily，intoNormandy，towife’sbrother，thethenDukethere;andendedthatmiserablestrugglebySvein’sbecomingKingofEnglandhimself。Ofthisdisgracefulmassacre，whichitwouldappearhasbeenimmenselyexaggeratedintheEnglishbooks，wecanhappilygivetheexactdate（A。D。1002）;andalsoofSvein’svictoriousaccession（A。D。
1013），[9]——prettymuchtheonlybenefitonegetsoutofcontemplatingsuchasetofobjects。
KingSvein’sfirstactwastolevyaterriblyincreasedIncome-Taxforthepaymentofhisarmy。Sveinwaslevyingitwithastronghandeddiligence，buthadnotyetdonelevyingit，when，atGainsboroughonenight，hesuddenlydied;smittendead，onceusedtobesaid，bySt。
Edmund，whilommurderedKingoftheEastAngles;whocouldnotbeartoseehisshrineandmonasteryofSt。EdmundsburyplunderedbytheTyrant’stax-collectors，astheywereonthepointofbeing。Inallwaysimpossible，however，——Edmund’sowndeathdidnotoccurtilltwoyearsafterSvein’s。Svein’sdeath，bywhatevercause，befell1014;
hisfleet，thenlyingintheHumber;andonlyKnut，[10]hiseldestson（hardlyyeteighteen，countsome），inchargeofit;who，onshortcounsel，andarrangementaboutthisquestionablekingdomofhis，liftedanchor;madeforSandwich，asaferstationatthemoment;\"cutoffthefeetandnoses\"（oneshudders，andhopesnot，therebeingsomediscrepancyaboutit！）ofhisnumeroushostagesthathadbeendeliveredtoKingSvein;setthemashore;——andmadeforDenmark，hisnaturalstorehouseandstronghold，asthehopefulestfirstthinghecoulddo。
KnutsoonreturnedfromDenmark，withincreaseofforcesufficientfortheEnglishproblem;whichlatterhenowendedinavictorious，andessentially，forhimselfandchaoticEngland，beneficentmanner。
Becamewidelyknownbyandby，thereandelsewhere，asKnuttheGreat;
andisthoughtbyjudgesofourdaytohavereallymeritedthattitle。
Amostnimble，sharp-striking，clear-thinking，prudentandeffectiveman，whoregulatedthisdismemberedanddistractedEnglandinitsChurchmatters，initsStatematters，likearealKing。HadaStandingArmy（_HouseCarles_），whowerewellpaid，welldrilledanddisciplined，capableofinstantlyquenchinginsurrectionorbreakageofthepeace;andpiouslyendeavored（withasignalearnestness，andevendevoutness，ifwelookwell）todojusticetoallmen，andtomakeallmenrestsatisfiedwithjustice。Inaword，hesuccessfullystrappedup，byeverytruemethodandregulation，thismiserable，dislocated，anddisseveredmassofbleedingAnarchyintosomethingworthytobecalledanEnglandagain;——onlythathediedtoosoon，andasecond\"Conqueror\"ofus，stillweightierofstructure，andunderimprovedauspices，becamepossible，andwasneededhere！Toappearance，KnuthimselfwascapableofbeingaCharlemagneofEnglandandtheNorth（ashasbeenalreadysaidorquoted），hadheonlylivedtwiceaslongashedid。Buthiswholesumofyearsseemsnottohaveexceededforty。HisfatherSveinoftheForkbeardisreckonedtohavebeenfiftytosixtywhenSt。EdmundfinishedhimatGainsborough。WenowreturntoNorway，ashamedofthislongcircuitwhichhasbeenatruancymoreorless。
CHAPTERIX。
KINGOLAFTHETHICK-SET’SVIKINGDAYS，KingHaraldGraenske，who，withanotherfromRussiaaccidentallylodgingbesidehim，gotburnedtodeathinSweden，courtingthatunspeakableSigridtheProud，——wasthirdcousinorsotoTryggve，fatherofourheroicOlaf。Accuratelycounted，heisgreat-grandsonofBjorntheChapman，firstofHaarfagr’ssonswhomEricBloodaxemadeawaywith。Hislittle\"kingdom，\"ashecalledit，wasadistrictnamedtheGreenland（_Graeneland_）;hehimselfwasoneofthoselittleHaarfagrkingletswhomHakonJarl，muchmoreOlafTryggveson，wascontenttoleavereigning，sincetheywouldkeepthepeacewithhim。
Haraldhadalovingwifeofhisown，Aastathenameofher，soonexpectingthebirthofherandhisprettybabe，namedOlaf，——atthetimehewentonthatdeplorableSwedishadventure，thefoolish，fatedcreature，andendedselfandkingdomaltogether。Aastawasgreatlyshocked;composedherselfhowever;marriedanewhusband，SigurdSyr，akinglet，andagreat-grandsonofHaraldFairhair，amanofgreatwealth，prudence，andinfluenceinthosecountries;inwhosehouse，asfavoriteandwell-belovedstepson，littleOlafwaswholesomelyandskilfullybroughtup。InSigurd’shousehehad，withal，aspecialtutorentertainedforhim，oneRane，knownasRanetheFar-travelled，bywhomhecouldbetrained，fromtheearliestbasis，inNorseaccomplishmentsandarts。Newchildrencame，oneortwo;butOlaf，fromhismother，seemsalwaystohaveknownthathewasthedistinguishedandroyalarticlethere。OnedayhisFoster-father，hurryingtoleavehomeonbusiness，hastilybadeOlaf，nootherbeingby，saddlehishorseforhim。Olafwentoutwiththesaddle，chosethebiggesthe-goatabout，saddledthat，andbroughtittothedoorbywayofhorse。OldSigurd，amostgraveman，grinnedsardonicallyatthesight。\"Hah，Iseethouhastnomindtotakecommandsfromme;
thouartoftoohighahumortotakecommands。\"Towhich，saysSnorro，BoyOlafansweredlittleexceptbylaughing，tillSigurdsaddledforhimself，androdeaway。HismotherAastaappearstohavebeenathoughtful，prudentwoman，thoughalwayswithafierceroyalismatthebottomofhermemory，andasecretimplacabilityonthathead。
AttheageoftwelveOlafwenttosea;furnishedwithalittlefleet，andskilfulsea-counsellor，expertoldRane，byhisFoster-father，andsetouttopushhisfortuneintheworld。Ranewasasteersmanandcounsellorintheseincipienttimes;butthecrewalwayscalledOlaf\"King，\"thoughatfirst，asSnorrothinks，exceptitwereinthehourofbattle，hemerelypulledanoar。Hecruisedandfoughtinthiscapacityonmanyseasandshores;passedseveralyears，perhapstilltheageofnineteenortwenty，inthiswildelementandwayoflife;
fightingalwaysinagloriousanddistinguishedmanner。Inthehourofbattle，diligentenough\"toamassproperty，\"astheVikingstermedit;andinthelongdaysandnightsofsailing，givenover，itislikely，tohisownthoughtsandtheunfathomabledialoguewiththeever-moaningSea;nottheworstHighSchoolamancouldhave，andindeedinfinitelypreferabletothemostthataregoingevennow，forahighanddeepyoungsoul。
HisfirstdistinguishedexpeditionwastoSweden：naturaltogothitherfirst，toavengehispoorfather’sdeath，wereitnothingmore。Whichhedid，theSkaldssay，inadistinguishedmanner;makingvictoriousandhandsomebattleforhimself，inenteringMaelareLake;
andingettingoutofitagain，afterbeingfrozenthereallwinter，showingstillmoresurprising，almostmiraculouscontrivanceanddexterity。Thiswasthefirstofhisgloriousvictories，ofwhichtheSkaldsreckonupsomefourteenorthirteenverygloriousindeed，mostlyintheWesternandSoutherncountries，mostofallinEngland;
tillthenameofOlafHaraldsonbecamequitefamousintheVikingandstrategicworld。Heseemsreallytohavelearnedthesecretsofhistrade，andtohavebeen，thenandafterwards，forvigilance，contrivance，valor，andpromptitudeofexecution，asuperiorfighter。
Severalexploitsrecordedofhimbetoken，insimpleforms，whatmaybecalledamilitarygenius。
Theprincipal，andtousthealoneinteresting，ofhisexploitsseemtohavelaininEngland，and，whatisfurthernotable，alwaysontheanti-Sveinside。EnglishbooksdonotmentionhimatallthatIcanfind;butitisfairlycrediblethat，astheNorserecordsreport，intheendofEthelred’sreign，hewastheallyorhiredgeneralofEthelred，anddidagreatdealofsea-fighting，watching，sailing，andsiegingforthismiserablekingandEdmundIronside，hisson。Snorrosaysexpressly，London，theimpregnablecity，hadtobebesiegedagainforEthelred’sbehoof（intheintervalbetweenSvein’sdeathandyoungKnut’sgettingbackfromDenmark），andthatourOlafHaraldsonwasthegreatengineerandvictoriouscaptorofLondononthatsingularoccasion，——Londoncapturedforthefirsttime。TheBridge，asusual，Snorrosays，offeredalmostinsuperableobstacles。ButtheengineeringgeniusofOlafcontrivedhuge\"platformsofwainscoting[oldwallsofwoodenhouses，infact]，boundtogetherbywithes;\"
these，carriedsteadilyaloftabovetheships，will（thinksOlaf）
considerablysecurethemandusfromthedestructivemissiles，bigboulderstones，andother，mischiefprofuselyshowereddownonus，tillwegetundertheBridgewithaxesandcables，anddosomegooduponit。Olaf’splanwastried;mostoftheotherships，inspiteoftheirwainscotingandwithes，recoiledonreachingtheBridge，sodestructiveweretheboulderandothermissileshowers。ButOlaf’sshipsandselfgotactuallyundertheBridge;fixedallmannerofcablesthere;andthen，withtherivercurrentintheirfavor，andthefrightenedshipsrallyingtohelpinthissaferpartoftheenterprise，toreouttheimportantpilesandprops，andfairlybrokethepoorBridge，whollyorpartly，downintotheriver，anditsDanishdefendersintoimmediatesurrender。ThatisSnorro’saccount。
Onapreviousoccasion，OlafhadbeendeepinahopefulcombinationwithEthelred’stwoyoungersons，AlfredandEdward，afterwardsKingEdwardtheConfessor：ThattheytwoshouldsallyoutfromNormandyinstrongforce，unitewithOlafinditto，and，landingontheThames，dosomethingeffectualforthemselves。Butimpediments，badweatherorthelike，disheartenedthepoorPrinces，anditcametonothing。OlafwasmuchinNormandy，whattheythencalledWalland;amanheldinhonorbythoseNormanDukes。
Whatamountof\"property\"hehadamassedIdonotknow，butcouldprove，wereitnecessary，thathehadacquiredsometacticalorevenstrategicfacultyandrealtalentforwar。AtLymfjord，inJutland，butsomeyearsafterthis（A。D。1027），hehadasea-battlewiththegreatKnuthimself，——shipscombinedwithflood-gates，withroaring，artificialdeluges;rightwellmanagedbyKingOlaf;whichwerewithinahair’s-breadthofdestroyingKnut，nowbecomeaKingandGreat;anddidineffectsendhiminstantlyrunning。Butofthismoreparticularlybyandby。
Whatstillmoresurprisesmeisthemystery，whereOlaf，inthiswandering，fighting，sea-rovinglife，acquiredhisdeeplyreligiousfeeling，hisintenseadherencetotheChristianFaith。IsupposeithadbeeninEngland，wheremanypiouspersons，priestlyandother，werestilltobemetwith，thatOlafhadgatheredthesedoctrines;andthatinthosehisunfathomabledialogueswiththeever-moaningOcean，theyhadstruckrootdownwardsinthesoulofhim，andbornefruitupwardstothedegreesoconspicuousafterwards。ItiscertainhebecameadeeplypiousmanduringtheselongVikingcruises;anddirectedallhisstrength，whenstrengthandauthoritywerelenthim，toestablishingtheChristianreligioninhiscountry，andsuppressingandabolishingVikingismthere;bothofwhichobjects，andtheirrespectiveworthandunworth，he，musthimselfhavelongknownsowell。
ItwaswelloninA。D。1016thatKnutgainedhislastvictory，atAshdon，inEssex，wheretheearthpyramidsandantiquechurchnearbystilltestifythethankfulpietyofKnut，——or，atlowesthisjoyathaving_won_insteadoflostandperished，ashewasneardoingthere。
AnditwasstillthissameyearwhenthenobleEdmundIronside，afterforcedpartition-treaty\"intheIsleofAlney，\"gotscandalouslymurdered，andKnutbecameindisputablesoleKingofEngland，anddecisivelysettledhimselftohisworkofgoverningthere。Intheyearbeforeeitherofwhichevents，whileallstillhunguncertainforKnut，andevenEricJarlofNorwayhadtobesummonedinaidofhim，inthatyear1015，asonemightnaturallyguessandasallIcelandichintsandindicationsleadustodatethething，OlafhaddecidedtogiveupVikingisminallitsforms;toreturntoNorway，andtrywhetherhecouldnotasserttheplaceandcareerthatbelongedtohimthere。JarlErichadvanishedwithallhiswarforcestowardsEngland，leavingonlyaboy，Hakon，assuccessor，andSvein，hisownbrother，——aquietman，whohadalwaysavoidedwar。OlaflandedinNorwaywithoutobstacle;butdecidedtobequiettillhehadhimselfexaminedandconsultedfriends。
HisreceptionbyhismotherAastawasofthekindestandproudest，andislovinglydescribedbySnorro。Aprettyidyllic，orepicpiece，of_Norse_Homerictype：HowAasta，hearingofherson’sadvent，setallhermaidsandmenialstoworkatthetopoftheirspeed;despatchedarunnertotheharvest-field，whereherhusbandSigurdwas，towarnhimtocomehomeanddress。HowSigurdwasstandingamonghisharvestfolk，reapersandbinders;andwhathehadon，——broadslouchhat，withveil（againstthemidges），bluekirtle，hoseofIforgetwhatcolor，withlacedboots;andinhishandastickwithsilverheadanddittoringuponit;——apersonableoldgentleman，oftheeleventhcentury，inthoseparts。Sigurdwascautious，prudentiallycunctatory，thoughheartilyfriendlyinhiscounseltoOlafastotheKingquestion。
AastahadaSpartantoneinherwildmaternalheart;andassuresOlafthatshe，withahalf-reproachfulglanceatSigurd，willstandbyhimtothedeathinthishisjustandnobleenterprise。Sigurdpromisestoconsultfartherinhisneighborhood，andtocorrespondbymessages;
theresultis，Olafresolutelypushingforwardhimself，resolvestocallaThing，andopenlyclaimhiskingshipthere。TheThingitselfwaswillingenough：oppositionpartiesdohereandtherebestirthemselves;butOlafisalwaysswifterthanthey。FivekingletssomewhereintheUplands，[11]——alldescendantsofHaarfagr;butaversetobreakthepeace，whichJarlEricandHakonJarlbothhavealwayswillinglyallowedtopeaceablepeople，——seemtobethemainoppositionparty。ThesefivetakethefieldagainstOlafwithwhatforcetheyhave;Olaf，onenight，bybeautifulcelerityandstrategicpracticewhichaFriedrichoraTurennemighthaveapproved，surroundstheseFive;andwhenmorningbreaks，thereisnothingforthembuteitherdeath，orelseinstantsurrender，andswearingoffealtytoKingOlaf。
Whichlatterbranchofthealternativetheygladlyaccept，thewholefiveofthem，andgohomeagain。
Thiswasabeautifulbitofwar-practicebyKingOlafonland。Byanotherstrokestillmorecompendiousatsea，hehadalreadysettledpooryoungHakon，andmadehimpeaceableforalongwhile。Olafbydiligentquestandspy-messaging，hadascertainedthatHakon，justreturningfromDenmarkandfarewelltoPapaandKnut，bothnowunderwayforEngland，wascoastingnorthtowardsTrondhjem;andintendedonoraboutsuchadaytolandinsuchandsuchafjordtowardstheendofthisTrondhjemvoyage。Olafatoncemanstwobigships，steersthroughthenarrowmouthofthesaidfjord，moorsoneshiponthenorthshore，anotheronthesouth;fixesastrongcable，wellsunkunderwater，tothecapstansofthesetwo;andinallquietnesswaitsforHakon。Beforemanyhours，Hakon’sroyalorquasi-royalbargesteersgailyintothisfjord;isalittlesurprised，perhaps，toseewithinthejawsofittwobigshipsatanchor，butsteersgallantlyalong，nothingdoubting。Olafwithasignalof\"Allhands，\"workshistwocapstans;hasthecableuphighenoughattherightmoment，catcheswithitthekeelofpoorHakon’sbarge，upsetsit，emptiesitwhollyintothesea。Whollyintothesea;savesHakon，however，andhispeoplefromdrowning，andbringsthemonboard。HisdialoguewithpooryoungHakon，especiallypooryoungHakon’sresponses，isverypretty。ShallIgiveit，outofSnorro，andletthereadertakeitforasauthenticashecan？ItisatleastthetrueimageofitinauthenticSnorro’shead，littlemorethantwocenturieslater。
\"JarlHakonwasleduptotheking’sship。Hewasthehandsomestmanthatcouldbeseen。Hehadlonghairasfineassilk，boundabouthisheadwithagoldornament。Whenhesatdownintheforeholdthekingsaidtohim：
_King。_\"’Itisnotfalse，whatissaidofyourfamily，thatyearehandsomepeopletolookat;butnowyourluckhasdesertedyou。’
_Hakon。_\"’Ithasalwaysbeenthecasethatsuccessischangeable;
andthereisnoluckinthematter。Ithasgonewithyourfamilyaswithminetohavebyturnsthebetterlot。Iamlittlebeyondchildhoodinyears;andatanyratewecouldnothavedefendedourselves，aswedidnotexpectanyattackontheway。Itmayturnoutbetterwithusanothertime。’
_King。_\"’Dostthounotapprehendthatthouartinsuchaconditionthat，hereafter，therecanbeneithervictorynordefeatforthee？’
_Hakon。_\"’Thatiswhatonlythoucanstdetermine，King，accordingtothypleasure。’
_King。_\"’Whatwiltthougiveme，Jarl，if，forthistime，Ilettheego，wholeandunhurt？’
_Hakon。_\"’Whatwiltthoutake，King？’
_King。_\"’Nothing，exceptthatthoushaltleavethecountry;giveupthykingdom;andtakeanoaththatthouwiltnevergointobattleagainstme。’\"[12]
JarlHakonacceptedthegenerousterms;wenttoEnglandandKingKnut，andkepthisbargainforagoodfewyears;thoughhewasatlastdriven，bypressureofKingKnut，toviolateit，——littletohisprofit，asweshallsee。OnevictoriousnavalbattlewithJarlSvein，Hakon’suncle，andhisadherents，whofledtoSweden，afterhisbeating，——battlenotdifficulttoaskilful，hard-hittingking，——wasprettymuchalltheactualfightingOlafhadtodointhisenterprise。
HevarioustimesmetangryBondersandrefractoryThingswitharmsintheirhand;butbyskilful，firmmanagement，——perfectlypatient，butalsoperfectlyreadytobeactive，——hemostlymanagedwithoutcomingtostrokes;andwasuniversallyrecognizedbyNorwayasitsrealking。
Apromisingyoungman，andfittobeaking，thinksSnorro。Onlyofmiddlestature，almostrathershortish;butfirm-standing，andstout-built;sothattheygottocallhimOlaftheThick（meaningOlaftheThick-set，orStout-built），thoughhisfinalepithetamongthemwasinfinitelyhigher。Fortherest，\"acomely，earnest，prepossessinglook;beautifulyellowhairinquantity;broad，honestface，ofacomplexionpureassnowandrose;\"andfinally（orfirstly）
\"thebrightesteyesintheworld;suchthat，inhisanger，nomancouldstandthem。\"Hehadaheavytaskahead，andneededallhisqualitiesandfinegiftstogetitdone。
CHAPTERX。
REIGNOFKINGOLAFTHESAINT。
ThelatetwoJarls，nowgoneabouttheirbusiness，hadbothbeenbaptized，andcalledthemselvesChristians。Butduringtheirgovernmenttheydidnothingintheconversionway;lefteverymantochoosehisownGodorGods;sothatsomehadactuallytwo，theChristianGodbyland，andatseaThor，whomtheyconsideredsaferinthatelement。Andineffectthemassofthepeoplehadfallenbackintoasluggishheathenismorhalf-heathenism，thelife-laborofOlafTryggvesonlyingruinousoralmostquiteoverset。ThenewOlaf，sonofHarald，sethimselfwithallhisstrengthtomendsuchastateofmatters;andstoodbyhisenterprisetotheend，astheonehighestinterest，includingallothers，forhisPeopleandhim。Hismethodwasbynomeanssoft;onthecontrary，itwashard，rapid，severe，——somewhatonthemodelofTryggveson’s，thoughwithmoreof_bishoping_andpreachingsuperadded。Yetstilltherewasagreatdealofmauling，vigorouspunishing，andanentireintoleranceofthesetwothings：HeathenismandSea-robbery，atleastofSea-robberyintheoldstyle;whetherinthestylewemodernsstillpractise，andcallprivateering，Idonotquiteknow。ButVikingismproperhadtoceaseinNorway;stillmore，Heathenism，underpenaltiestooseveretoheborne;death，mutilationoflimb，nottomentionforfeitureandlessrigorouscoercion。Olafwasinexorableagainstviolationofthelaw。\"Toosevere，\"criedmany;towhomoneanswers，\"Perhapsinpart_yes_，perhapsalsoingreatpart_no_;dependsaltogetheronthepreviousquestion，HowfarthelawwastheeternaloneofGodAlmightyintheuniverse，HowfarthelawmerelyofOlaf（destituteofrightinspiration）lefttohisownpassionsandwhims？\"
ManywerethejanglesOlafhadwiththerefractoryHeathenThingsandIronbeardsofanewgeneration：verycurioustosee。ScarcelyeverdiditcometofightingbetweenKingandThing，thoughoftenenoughnearit;buttheThingdiscerning，asitusuallydidintime，thattheKingwasstrongerinmen，seemedtosayunanimouslytoitself，\"Wehavelost，then;baptizeus，wemustburnouroldgodsandconform。\"
Onenewfeaturewedoslightlydiscern：hereandthereatouchoftheologicalargumentontheheathenside。AtonewildThing，farupintheDovrefjeld，ofaveryheathentemper，therewasmuchofthat;
nottobequenchedbyKingOlafatthemoment;sothatithadtobeadjournedtillthemorrow，andagaintillthenextday。Herearesometraitsofit，muchabridgedfromSnorro（whogivesahighlypunctualaccount），whichvividlyrepresentOlaf’spostureandmannerofproceedinginsuchintricacies。