es of rowers. Erling had
also a ship of thirty-two benches of rowers, which was besides, very
large for that size, and which he used in viking cruises, or on an
expedition; and in it there were 200 men at the very least.

ENDNOTES: (1) There were silver-studs in a row from the rim to the
bottom of the drinking born or cup; and as it went round each drank
till the stud appeared above the liquor. This was drinking
by measure.--L.
(2) I.e., 240.

22. OF THE HERSE ERLING SKIALGSON.

Erling had always at home on his farm thirty slaves, besides other
serving-people. He gave his slaves a certain day's work; but after it he
gave them leisure, and leave that each should work in the twilight and
at night for himself, and as he pleased. He gave them arable land to sow
corn in, and let them apply their crops to their own use. He laid upon
each a certain quantity of labour to work themselves free by doing it;
and there were many who bought their freedom in this way in one year, or
in the second year, and all who had any luck could make themselves free
within three years. With this money he bought other slaves: and to some
of his freed people he showed how to work in the herring-fishery, to
others he showed some useful handicraft; and some cleared his outfields
and set up houses. He helped all to prosperity.

23. OF EARL EIRIK.

When Earl Eirik had ruled over Norway for twelve years, there came a
message to him from his brother-in-law King Canute, the Danish king,
that he should go with him on an expedition westward to England; for
Eirik was very celebrated for his campaigns, as he had gained the
victory in the two hardest engagements which had ever been fought in
the north countries. The one was that in which the Earls Hakon and Eirik
fought with the Jomsborg vikings; the other that in which Earl Eirik
fought with King Olaf Trygvason. Thord Kolbeinson speaks of this:--

"A song of praise
Again I raise.
To the earl bold
The word is told,
That Knut the Brave
His aid would crave;
The earl, I knew,
To friend stands true."

The earl would not sleep upon the message of the king, but sailed
immediately out of the country, leaving behind his son Earl Hakon to
take care of Norway; and, as he was but seventeen years of age, Einar
Tambaskelfer was to be at his hand to rule the country for him.

Eirik met King Canute in England, and was with him when he took