eople, and all the public, rich and poor, young and old, his own
and God's salutation. The misfortune is known to all men that on account
of our childhoods--thou being five, and I but three years of age--we can
undertake nothing without the counsel of our friends and other good men.
Now I and my men think that we stand nearer to the danger and necessity
common to us both, than thou and thy friends; therefore make it so
that thou, as soon as possible, come to me, and as strong in troops as
possible, that we may be assembled to meet whatever may come. He will be
our best friend who does all he can that we may be united, and may take
an equal part in all things. But if thou refuse, and wilt not come after
this message which I send thee in need, as thou hast done before, then
thou must expect that I will come against thee with an armament; and let
God decide between us; for we are not in a condition to sit here at so
great an expense, and with so numerous a body of troops as are necessary
here on account of the enemy, and besides many other pressing charges,
whilst thou hast half of all the land-tax and other revenues of Norway.
Live in the peace of God!"

9. OTTAR BIRTING'S SPEECH.

Then Ottar Birting stood up in the Thing, and first of all answered
thus: "This is King Sigurd's reply to his brother King Inge--that God
will reward him for his good salutation, and likewise for the trouble
and burden which he and his friends have in this kingdom, and in matters
of necessity which effect them both. Although now some think there is
something sharp in King Inge's message to his brother Sigurd, yet he has
in many respects sufficient cause for it. Now I will make known to you
my opinion, and we will hear if King Sigurd and the other people of
power will agree to it; and it is, that thou, King Sigurd, make thyself
ready, with all the people who will follow thee, to defend thy country;
and go as strong in men as possible to thy brother King Inge as soon as
thou art prepared, in order to assist each other in all things that
are for the common good; and may God Almighty strengthen and assist you
both! Now, king, we will have thy words."

Peter, a son of Saudaulf, who was afterwards called Peter Byrdarsvein,
bore King Sigurd to the Thing. Then the king said, "Ye must know that,
if I am to advise, I will go as soon as possible to my brother King
Inge." Then others spoke, one after the other; but although each began
his speech in