Letters from High Latitudes by Lord Dufferin
page 268 of 305 (87%)
page 268 of 305 (87%)
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man afraid, as well as red." [Footnote: There is a play
on these two words in the Icelandic, "Raudau oc Ragan."] Says Ulf, "Defend thou the quarter-deck, as _I_ shall the forecastle." The King had a bow in his hands; he laid an arrow on the string, and made as if he aimed at Ulf. Ulf said, "Shoot another way, King, where it is more needful,--my work is thy gain." Then the King asks, "Who is the chief of the force right opposite to us?" He is answered, "Svend of Denmark, with his army." Olaf replies, "We are not afraid of these soft Danes! Who are the troops on the right?" They answer, "Olaf of Sweden, and his forces." "Better it were," replies the King, "for these Swedes to be sitting at home, killing their sacrifices, than venturing under the weapons of the 'Long Serpent.' But who owns the large ships on the larboard side of the Danes?" "That is Jarl Eric, son of Hacon," say they. The King says, "He has reason for meeting us; we may |
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