302 HKKOIC CONDUCT. 



200 fell in compact and beautiful order around the 

 corpse of their much-loved lord. 



Another instance of devotion Avorthy of record also 

 occurred at this time. At the commencement of the 

 fight at Xungahall, the wife of Parson Brunsson, together 

 with other women, fled to the hamlet of Solherg with 

 intelligence of the enemy's landing; and hence the news 

 was soon spread over the surrounding country. When 

 the Ildrbud, or war messenger, reached Skurberg, he 

 found all the people at a Gdslabiid, or banquet. Amongst 

 the guests was a young peasant named Olfwer Stormund. 

 On learning what had happened, lie sprang to his feet ; 

 and seizing his helm, shield, and battle-axe, exclaimed, 

 " Good men and true, let us hasten to the assistance of 

 the townspeople, who are bravely risking their lives for 

 our sakes. It is better to rid our fatherland of the 

 heathen than to sit here getting drunk on ale ! " But all 

 refused, alleging they were sure to be slaughtered, and 

 without their friends being benefited by their death. 

 "Then, as none of you will accompany me," rejoined the 

 heroic jnan, " I will go alone and cut down one or two of 

 the enemy before I am killed myself." With these 

 words he set oil" for the fortress alone, though followed in 

 the distance by several of his friends, who were anxious to 

 see how the adventure would terminate. 



"When the pirates observed ( Hfwer approaching, eight 

 of them rushed forward and attacked him. He, however. 

 s\\ ung his battle-axe around his head with such force and 

 dexterity as at one aiid the same blow, not only to cut 

 the throat of the man behind him, but to " brain " the 

 one in his front. The second time he lifted his formidable 

 weapon two other heathens were also killed ; and after- 

 \\ards he made such good use of it as badly to wound the 

 remaining four, and to cause them to take to flight. 

 Though covered with wounds, he started in pursuit ; and, 



