232 Norway and the Norwegians 



ward, forward, bondermen ! " King Olaf also made no 

 attack, for he waited for Dag and the people who 

 followed him. At last the king saw Dag and his men 

 approaching. It is said that the army of the bonders 

 was not less on this day than a hundred times a 

 hundred men. 



' As the armies on both sides stood so near that people 

 knew each other, the king said : " Why art thou here, 

 Kalf, for we parted good friends south in More? It 

 beseems thee ill to fight against us, or to throw a spear 

 into our army, for here are four of thy brothers." 



' Kalf replied : " Many things come to pass differently 

 from what may appear seemly. You parted from us, 

 so that it was necessary to seek peace with those who 

 were behind in the country ; now each must remain 

 where he stands ; but if I might advise, we should be 

 reconciled." 



' Then Finn, his brother, who was with the king, 

 answered : " This is to be observed of Kalf, that when 

 he speaks fairly he has it in his mind to do ill."' 



' The king answered : " It may be, Kalf, that thou art 

 inclined to reconciliation; but methinks the bonders do 

 not appear so peaceful." 



' Then Thorgeir of Kviststad said : " You shall now 

 have such peace as many formerly have received at 

 your hands, and which you shall now pay for." 



' The king replies: "Thou hast no occasion to hasten 

 so much to meet us, for fate has not decreed to thee 

 to-day a victory over me, who raised thee to power and 

 dignity from a mean station." 



' Xow came Thorir Hund, went forward in front of 

 the banner with his troop, and called out, "Forward, 



