wish of the lendermen, of your other people, and of the bondes
that this should come to an end. There is now a truce, agreement, and
peace with the earl, and the West Gautland people who are nearest to us;
and it appears to the people it would be best that you sent messengers
to the Swedish king to offer a reconciliation on your side; and, without
doubt, many who are about the Swedish king will support the proposal,
for it is a common gain for those who dwell in both countries, both here
and there." This speech of Bjorn's received great applause.

Then the king said, "It is fair, Bjorn, that the advice thou hast given
should be carried out by thyself. Thou shalt undertake this embassy
thyself, and enjoy the good of it, if thou hast advised well; and if it
involve any man in danger, thou hast involved thyself in it. Moreover,
it belongs to thy office to declare to the multitude what I wish to have
told." Then the king stood up, went to the church, and had high mass
sung before him; and thereafter went to table.

The following day Hjalte said to Bjorn, "Why art thou so melancholy,
man? Art thou sick, or art thou angry at any one?" Bjorn tells Hjalte
his conversation with the king, and says it is a very dangerous errand.

Hjalte says, "It is their lot who follow kings that they enjoy high
honours, and are more respected than other men, but stand often in
danger of their lives: and they must understand how to bear both parts
of their lot. The king's luck is great; and much honour will be gained
by this business, if it succeed."

Bjorn answered, "Since thou makest so light of this business in thy
speech, wilt thou go with me? The king has promised that I shall have
companions with me on the journey."

"Certainly," says Hjalte; "I will follow thee, if thou wilt: for never
again shall I fall in with such a comrade if we part."

68. JOURNEY OF BJORN THE MARSHAL.

A few days afterwards, when the king was at a Thing-meeting, Bjorn came
with eleven others. He says to the king that they were now ready to
proceed on their mission, and that their horses stood saddled at the
door. "And now," says he, "I would know with what errand I am to go, or
what orders thou givest us."

The king replies, "Ye shall carry these my words to the Swedish
king--that I will establish peace between our countries up to the
frontier which Olaf Trygvason had before me; and each shall bind himself
faithfully not to trespass over it. But with re