Tosti, no sufficient share in the kingship. Which state of matters,
if Svein would go ahead with him to rectify it, would be greatly to
the advantage of Svein. Svein, taught by many beatings, was too wise
for this proposal; refused Tosti, who indignantly stepped over into
Norway, and proposed it to King Harald there. Svein really had
acquired considerable teaching, I should guess, from his much beating
and hard experience in the world; one finds him afterwards the
esteemed friend of the famous Historian Adam of Bremen, who reports
various wise humanities, and pleasant discoursings with Svein
Estrithson.

As for Harald Hardrade, "Harald the Hard or Severe," as he was now
called, Tosti's proposal awakened in him all his old Vaeringer
ambitious and cupidities into blazing vehemence. He zealously
consented; and at once, with his whole strength, embarked in the
adventure. Fitted out two hundred ships, and the biggest army he
could carry in them; and sailed with Tosti towards the dangerous
Promised Land. Got into the Tyne and took booty; got into the Humber,
thence into the Ouse; easily subdued any opposition the official
people or their populations could make; victoriously scattered these,
victoriously took the City of York in a day; and even got himself
homaged there, "King of Northumberland," as per covenant,--Tosti
proving honorable,--Tosti and he going with faithful strict
copartnery, and all things looking prosperous and glorious. Except
only (an important exception!) that they learnt for certain, English
Harold was advancing with all his strength; and, in a measurable space
of hours, unless care were taken, would be in York himself. Harald
and Tosti hastened off to seize the post of Stamford Bridge on Derwent
River, six or seven miles east of York City, and there bar this
dangerous advent. Their own ships lay not far off in Ouse River, in