him know King
Canute's demand upon Norway; adding, that, in his opinion, if Canute
subdued Norway, King Onund would not long enjoy the Swedish dominions
in peace. He thought it advisable, therefore, that they should unite
for their defence. "And then," said he, "we will have strength enough
to hold out against Canute." King Onund received King Olaf's message
favourably, and replied to it, that he for his part would make common
cause with King Olaf, so that each of them should stand by the one
who first required help with all the strength of his kingdom. In these
messages between them it was also determined that they should have a
meeting, and consult with each other. The following winter (A.D. 1026)
King Onund intended to travel across West Gautland, and King Olaf made
preparations for taking his winter abode at Sarpsborg.

142. KING CANUTE'S AMBASSADORS TO ONUND OF SVITHJOD.

In autumn King Canute the Great came to Denmark, and remained there
all winter (A.D. 1026) with a numerous army. It was told him that
ambassadors with messages had been passing between the Swedish and
Norwegian kings, and that some great plans must be concerting between
them. In winter King Canute sent messengers to Svithjod, to King Onund,
with great gifts and messages of friendship. He also told Onund that
he might sit altogether quiet in this strife between him and Olaf the
Thick; "for thou, Onund," says he, "and thy kingdom, shall be in peace
as far as I am concerned." When the ambassadors came to King Onund
they presented the gifts which King Canute sent him, together with the
friendly message. King Onund did not hear their speech very willingly,
and the ambassadors could observe that King Onund was most inclined to
a friendship with King Olaf. They returned accordingly, and told King
Canute the result of their errand, and told him not to depend much upon
the friendship of King Onund.

143. THE EXPEDITION TO BJARMALAND.

This winter (A.D. 1026) King Olaf sat in Sarpsborg, and was surrounded
by a very great army of people. He sent the Halogalander Karle to the
north country upon his business. Karle went first to the Uplands, then
across the Dovrefield, and came down to Nidaros, where he received as
much money as he had the king's order for, together with a good ship,
such as he thought suitable for the voyage which the king had ordered
him upon; and that was to proceed north to Bjarmaland. It was settled
that the king should be