to be silent; and I shall give my advice, since it is desired.
The resolution now adopted is contrary to my judgment; for I call it
foolhardy to fight under these circumstances, although we have so many
and such fine men. Supposing we make an attack on them, and row up
against this river-current; then one of the three men who are in each
half room must be employed in rowing only, and another must be covering
with the shield the man who rows; and what have we then to fight with
but one third of our men? It appears to me that they can be of little
use in the battle who are sitting at their oars with their backs turned
to the enemy. Give me now some time for consideration, and I promise you
that before three days are over I shall fall upon some plan by which we
can come into battle with advantage."

It was evident from Erling's speech that he dissuaded from an attack;
but, notwithstanding, it was urged by many who thought that Hakon would
now, as before, take to the land. "And then," said they, "we cannot get
hold of him; but now they have but few men, and we have their fate in
our own hands."

Gregorius said but little; but thought that Erling rather dissuaded from
an attack that Gregorius's advice should have no effect, than that he
had any better advice to give.

7. OF HAKON'S FLEET.

Then said King Inge to Erling, "Now we will follow thy advice, brother,
with regard to the manner of attacking; but seeing how eager our
counsellors are for it, we shall make the attack this day."

Erling replied, "All the boats and light vessels we have should row
outside the island, and up the east arm of the river, and then down with
the stream upon them, and try if they cannot cut them loose from the
piles. Then we, with the large ships, shall row from below here against
them; and I cannot tell until it be tried, if those who are now so
furiously warm will be much brisker at the attack than I am."

This counsel was approved by all. There was a ness stretched out between
their fleet and Hakon's, so that they could not see each other. Now when
Hakon and his men, who had taken counsel with each other in a meeting,
saw the boat-squadron rowing down the river, some thought King Inge
intended to give them battle; but many believed they did not dare, for
it looked as if the attack was given up; and they, besides, were very
confident, both in their preparations and men. There were many great
people with Hakon: there were Sigurd of