not less than six to one,—so much stronger in men were Eric's sons.
Chapter XXX.
King Hakon's battle array.
When King Hakon had drawn np his men, it is told of him that he threw off his armour before the battle began. So sings Eyvind Skaldaspiller:—
"They found Biorne's brother[1] bold
Under his banner as of old,
Ready for battle. Foes advance,—
The front rank raise the shining lance;
And now begins the bloody fray!
Now! now begins Hildur's wild play![2]
Our noble king, whose name strikes fear
Into each Danish heart,—whose spear
Has single-handed spilt the blood
Of many a Danish noble,—stood
Beneath his helmet's eagle wing[3]
Amidst his guards; but the brave king
Scorned to wear armour, while his men
Bared naked breasts against the rain
Of spear and arrow. Off he flung
His coat of mail, his breast-plate rung
Against the stones; and, blithe and gay,
He rushed into the thickest fray.
With golden helm, and naked breast,
Brave Hakon played at slaughter's feast."
King Hakon selected willingly such men for his guard or court-men as were distinguished for their strength and bravery, as his father King Harald also used to do; and among these was Thoralf Skolinson the Strong, who went on one side of the king. He had helmet and shield, spear and sword; and his sword was called by the name of Footbreadth. It was said that Thoralf and King Hakon were equal in strength. Thord Siarekson speaks of it in the poem he composed concerning Thoralf: —
"The king's men went with merry words
To the sharp clash of shields and swords,
When these wild rovers of the sea
