galleys. The watchers were eager for the fight, although Earl Erik cautioned them to be prudent.
As the men were hurrying on board the ships, King Sweyn said tauntingly to the hesitating Erik:
“I did not know thee for so slow a fighter when I joined thee in this enterprise. The desire alone to avenge thy father Haakon should stir up thy failing courage.”
Earl Erik flushed hotly and angrily answered:
“Before the sun hath set, King Sweyn, it may be proven that my Norsemen and I are better fighters than the Danes and the Swedes.”
Thorkill Dyrdill drew down the sails of the “Crane” and waited till Erling and King Olaf joined him.
As the “Short Serpent” came into view King Sweyn exclaimed: “Loftily shall the ‘Serpent’ bear me to-night, and I shall steer her.”
Earl Erik looked scornfully at the Dane as he made answer: “Even if Olaf Tryggevesson had no larger ship than this, thou and all thy Danes would never win it from him.”
Then came the “Long Serpent” dazzling in the sun, with its glittering dragon high in the air, its thick-set row of shining shields, its stacks of swords and spears, its richly wrought canopies and banners, and its throng of warriors in their bright war-coats.
Fear smote the watchers for a space at the sight of such a magnificent ship, the like of which they had never even dreamt of.
