BATTLE OF BltUXAMiriHlH. 17.", 



and outside the fy Iking, for the Scots are usually not in 

 serried ranks ; they run to and fro, and come forward in 

 various places ; they often become dangerous if not guarded 

 against, but do not stand firm on the field if they are faced.' 

 Egil answered: 'I do not want that Thorolf and I shall be 

 separated in the battle, and it seems best that we be placed 

 where it is most needed and hard to stand.' Thorolf said : 

 * Let the king decide where he wishes to place us. Let us 

 assist him so well that he is pleased. I would rather be where 

 thou art placed, if thou hast no objection.' Egil replied : ' You 

 must have your will, kinsman, but this change I shall often 

 regret.' After this the men went forward into the fylkings 

 as the king had ordered, and the standards were raised. The 

 king's fylkiug stood in the open field at the river, while that 

 of Thorolf was higher up along the forest. Olaf began array- 

 ing his men, when he saw that .ZEthelstan had arrayed his. He 

 had also two lines, and he had his fy Iking and his standard, 

 led by himself, against ^Ethelstan. They were equal in point 

 of numbers, but the other line of Olaf went nearer to the 

 forest, against that which Thorolf led. The chiefs of this 

 numerous host were Scotch jarls, and most of the men Scots. 

 The lines met each other, and soon a great battle ensued. 

 Thorolf made a hard onset, and had his standard carried along 

 the forest, intending to advance thus that he might attack tin- 

 king's array on the flank. The men of Thorolf carried their 

 shields in front, while the forest protected them on their right 

 side. Thorolf went so far forward that few of his men were in 

 front of him. But, when he expected it least, Adils and his 

 men rushed out of the forest ; they pierced Thorolf with many 

 spears at the same time. He fell, but Thorfinn, who carried 

 the standard, retreated to where the warriors stood thicker. 

 Adils attacked, and there was a hard fight. The Scots raised 

 a shout of victory when they had killed the leader of their 

 enemies. When Egil heard that shout, and sa\\ that the 

 standard of Thorolf drew back, he knew that Thorolf himself 

 did not follow it. He rushed forward between the arrays, and 

 soon knew the tidings when he met his men. He urged tin- 

 warriors much to attack, and was foremost with the s\\orl Xadr 

 in his hand. With this he strided forward slashing on both 

 sides of himself, and slew many a man. Thorfinn carried tin 

 standard after him, and the men followed it, There ensued 

 a most sharp fight. Egil went forward until he met Adils; 

 they exchanged but few blows before the latter fell, and 

 many around him. After his fall, the host which had followed 

 him fled. Egil and his men pursued, and killed all they got 

 hold of, for it was then useless to ask for life. The Scottish 



