FINIS.

10.The wide-extended Bute was won from the forlorn wearers[71]of rings by the renowned and invincible troops of the promoter of conquest,—they wielded the two-edged sword—the foes of our Ruler dropt, and the Raven from his fields of slaughter, winged hisflight for the Hebrides.

10.

The wide-extended Bute was won from the forlorn wearers[71]of rings by the renowned and invincible troops of the promoter of conquest,—they wielded the two-edged sword—the foes of our Ruler dropt, and the Raven from his fields of slaughter, winged hisflight for the Hebrides.

The Norwegians who had been in Bute went to Scotland, where they burned many houses, and several towns. Rudri, proceeding a great way, did all the mischief that he could, as is here described.

11.The habitations of men, the dwellings of the wretched, flamed. Fire, the devourer of halls, glowed in their granaries. The hapless throwers of the dart[72]fell near the swan-frequented plain,[73]while south from our floating pines[74]marched a host of warriors.

11.

The habitations of men, the dwellings of the wretched, flamed. Fire, the devourer of halls, glowed in their granaries. The hapless throwers of the dart[72]fell near the swan-frequented plain,[73]while south from our floating pines[74]marched a host of warriors.

While King Haco was in the Hebrides, deputies came to him from Irelandintimating that the Irish[75]Ostmen would submit to his power, if he would secure them from the encroachments of the English, who possessed all the best towns along the sea-coast. King Haco accordingly sent Sigurd the Hebridian, with some fast-sailing vessels,to examine on what terms the Irish invited him thither.

After this King Haco sailed south before the Mull of Kintire with all his fleet, and anchored for some time in Arran-sound. Then, there came often Predicant, or Barefooted friars, from the Scottish Monarch, to King Haco, to sound him about a pacification between the two Sovereigns. At this juncture also King Haco set King John at liberty; and bidding him go in peace, wherever he would, gave him several rich presents. He promised King Haco, to do everything in his power to effectuate a peace between him and the Scottish King; and that he would immediately return to King Haco whenever he desired him. Soon after King Haco sent Gilbert Bishop of Hamar, Henry Bishop of Orkney, Andrew Nicolson, Andrew Plytt, and Paul Soor as envoys to treat abouta peace with the King of Scotland. They went to the Scottish Monarch, and laid before him their overtures. He received them honourably, seemed inclined to a compromise, and said that such terms of accommodation as he would consent to, would be transmitted to King Haco. The commissioners departed; and the Scottish envoys arrived soon after. King Haco had ordered that all the Islands to the west of Scotland, which he called his, should be wrote down. The King of Scotland again had named all such as he would not relinquish. These were Bute, Arran, and the two Cumbras;[76]as to other matters there was very little dispute between the Sovereigns; but however no agreement took place.The Scotch purposely declined any accommodation, because summer was drawing to a period, and the weather was becoming bad. Finding this, Haco sailed in, with all his forces, past the Cumbras.

Afterwards an interview in Scotland was agreed upon for a reconciliation. King Haco sent thither a Bishop and a Baron; and to meet them came some Knights and Monks. They spoke much about an accommodation, but, at last, things ended the same way as formerly. Towards the conclusion of the day a greater number of Scots convened from the country than the Norwegians thought were to be trusted. They therefore, retiring to the ships, waited on the King, and told him their opinion. The generality advised him to declare that the trucewas now ended, and to give orders to plunder, as the army was very short of provisions.

King Haco, however, sent one of his courtiers, called Kolbein Rich, to the Scottish Monarch. He carried with him the Articles of pacification which the Scottish King had sent to King Haco, and was commanded to bring back the proposals which King Haco had sent to the King of Scotland. He was besides to propose that the Sovereigns should meet with all their forces and treat about a peace. If that, by the grace of God, took place, it was very well; but if it should turn out otherwise, then Haco proposed to the King of Scotland to fight, with their whole armies, and let him conquer whom God pleased. The Scottish Monarch seem'd not unwilling to fight, but he gave no explanation. Kolbein, therefore, returned back to his Sovereign, who appeared butlittle satisfied with his message; as is mentioned in the Ravens-ode.

12.The Eastern Hero great in command, and ennobled by Victory, repeatedly offered the decisive conflict of Javelins to the enemy. The strangers, distrustful of their strength, risked not the combat against our magnanimous Prince, wielder of the gleaming blade.

12.

The Eastern Hero great in command, and ennobled by Victory, repeatedly offered the decisive conflict of Javelins to the enemy. The strangers, distrustful of their strength, risked not the combat against our magnanimous Prince, wielder of the gleaming blade.

The truce was now declared to be totally ended. The King accordingly sent sixty ships in to Loch-Long.[77]They were commanded by Magnus King of Man, King Dugal,[78]and Allan his brother, Angus, Margad,Vigleik Priestson and Ivar Holm. When they came into the inlet they took their boats, and drew them[79]up to a great lake which is called Loch-Lomond. On the far side round the lake was an Earldom called Lennox.[80]In the lake there were agreat many islands well inhabited;[81]these islands the Norwegians wasted with fire. They also burned all the buildings about the lake, and made great devastation, as Sturlas relates.

13.The persevering shielded warriors of the thrower of the whizzing spear[82]drew their boats across the broad isthmus. Our fearless troops, the exactors of contribution, with flaming brands wasted the populous islands in the lake, and the mansions around its winding bays.

13.

The persevering shielded warriors of the thrower of the whizzing spear[82]drew their boats across the broad isthmus. Our fearless troops, the exactors of contribution, with flaming brands wasted the populous islands in the lake, and the mansions around its winding bays.

Allan the brother of King Dugal, marched far over into Scotland, and killed great numbers of the inhabitants. He took many hundred head ofcattle, and made vast havoc, as is here described.

14.Our veterans fierce of Soul, feeders of wolves, hastened their wasteful course through the spacious districts of the mountains. Allan, the bravest of mortals, at the fell interview of battle, often wreaked his fatal vengeance on the expiring foe.

14.

Our veterans fierce of Soul, feeders of wolves, hastened their wasteful course through the spacious districts of the mountains. Allan, the bravest of mortals, at the fell interview of battle, often wreaked his fatal vengeance on the expiring foe.

Afterwards the Norwegians retired to their fleet, and met with so violent a storm that it dashed in pieces about ten of their ships in Loch-Long. At this time Ivar Holm was seized with an acute disease, which occasioned his death.

King Haco, as was before written, still lay in the Hebrides. Michaelmas fell on a Saturday; and, on the Monday night after, there came a great tempest with hailstones and rain. The watch on thefore-castle of the King's ship called out, and said that a transport vessel was driving full against their cable. The sailors immediately sprung upon deck; but the rigging of the transport getting entangled in the King's ship, carried away its beak. The transport then fell aboard in such a manner, that the anchor grappled the cordage of the King's ship, which then began to drag its anchors. The King, therefore, ordered the cable of the transport to be cut, which was accordingly done. It then drove out to sea, but the King's ship remained steadfast, and continued uncovered[83]till daylight. On the morning, the transport floated with the tide, and, together with a galley, was cast ashore on Scotland. The wind gradually increasing, the crew of the King's ship got more cables, and dropt a fifth anchor. The King himself then took to his long-boat, and rowing out tothe islands, ordered mass to be sung. The fleet in the meantime was forced up the channel; and the tempest that day was so furious that some vessels cut away their masts, others ran aground. The King's ship also drove into the sound, tho' seven anchors, including that taken from the transport, had been used. They then let go an eighth, which was the sheet anchor; the ship still drove, but the anchors at length took fast hold. Five vessels were cast ashore. So great was this storm that people said it was raised by the power of Magic, and the quantity of rain was prodigious, as is thus described.

15.Now our deep-enquiring Sovereign encounter'd the horrid powers of enchantment, and the abominations of an impious race. The troubled flood tore many fair gallies from their moorings and swept them anchorless before its waves.16.A magic-raised watery tempest blew upon our warriors, ambitious of conquest, and against the floating habitations[84]of the brave. The roaring billows and stormy blast threw shielded companies of our adventurous nation on the Scottish strand.

15.

Now our deep-enquiring Sovereign encounter'd the horrid powers of enchantment, and the abominations of an impious race. The troubled flood tore many fair gallies from their moorings and swept them anchorless before its waves.

16.

A magic-raised watery tempest blew upon our warriors, ambitious of conquest, and against the floating habitations[84]of the brave. The roaring billows and stormy blast threw shielded companies of our adventurous nation on the Scottish strand.

When the Scotch saw that the vessels had run aground, they assembled together, and advancing against the Norwegians, attacked them with missile weapons. They, however, defended themselves gallantly under cover of their ships; the Scotch made several attempts, at different times, but killed few, tho' many were wounded. King Haco, as the wind was now somewhat abated, sent in some boats with a reinforcement, as is here mentioned.

17.The victorious breaker of gleaming weapons, attentive of soul, then sent his bands to the hard-fought field, where breast-plates rang. Our troops, by the slaughter of the suspicious foe, established their Monarch's fame, vilified by the dwellers of the vallies.[85]

17.

The victorious breaker of gleaming weapons, attentive of soul, then sent his bands to the hard-fought field, where breast-plates rang. Our troops, by the slaughter of the suspicious foe, established their Monarch's fame, vilified by the dwellers of the vallies.[85]

Afterwards the Sovereign himself, attended by Thorlaug Bosa, set sail in a barge belonging to the Masters of the Lights.[86]As soon as the King's men approached the land the Scotch retired; and the Norwegians continued ashore all night. The Scotch, however, during the darkness,entered the transport,[87]and carried off as much of the lading as they could. On the morning, the King with a numerous reinforcement came on shore; and he ordered the transport to be lightened, and towed out to the ships.

In a little time, they descried the Scottish army, and it was so numerous that they supposed the King of Scotland was present. Ogmund Krækidants with his company was stationed on a hill. The Scottish van skirmished with his men; and, their main body coming on, the Norwegians entreated the King, as they were anxious for his safety, to row to his fleet and to send them help. The King insisted on remaining on shore; but they would not assent to his continuing any longer so exposed; he, therefore, sailed out in a barge to his ships at the Cumbras. The following Barons remained on land, Lord Andrew Nicolson, Ogmund Krækidants, Erling Alfson,Andrew Pott, Ronald Urka, Thorlaug Bosi, Paul Soor. The whole number of soldiers with them was eight or nine hundred. Two hundred men were upon the rising-ground with Ogmund; but the rest of the troops were posted down upon the beach.

The Scottish army now advanced, and it was conjectured to consist of near fifteen hundred knights.[88]All their horses had breast-plates; and there were many Spanish steeds in complete armour. The Scottish King had, besides, a numerous army of foot soldiers, well accoutred. They generally had bows and spears.

The Norwegians on the hill, apprehensive of being surrounded, began to retire in scattered parties towards the sea. Andrew Nicolson, observing this, came up to the rising ground, and desired Ogmund todraw off his men towards the beach, but not to retreat so precipitately as if he fled. The Scotch at this time attacked them furiously with darts and stones. Showers of weapons were poured upon the Norwegians, who defended themselves, and retired in good order. But when they approached the sea, each one hurrying faster than another, those on the beach imagined they were routed. Some therefore leaped into their boats, and pushed off from the land, others jumped into the transport. Their companions called upon them to return, and some returned, tho' few. Andrew Pott leaped over two boats, and into a third, and so escaped from land. Many boats went down, and some men were lost, and the rest of the Norwegians at last wheeled about towards the sea.

Here Haco of Steini, one of King Haco's household, fell. TheNorwegians were then driven south from the transport, and were headed by Andrew Nicolson, Ogmund Krækidants, Thorlaug Bosi, and Paul Soor. There soon began a severe contest, tho' very unequal, as ten Scots fought against each Norwegian. Among the Scotch there was a young knight called Ferash,[89]equally distinguished for his birth and fortune. He wore a helmet plaited with gold, and set with precious stones, and the rest of his armour was of a piece with it. He rode gallantly up to the Norwegians, but no other ventured. He galloped frequently along the Norwegian line, and then back to his own followers. Andrew Nicolson had now reached the Scottish van. He encountered this illustrious knight, and struck at his thigh with such force that he cut it off,[90]through the armour, with his sword, which penetrated to the saddle. The Norwegians stript him of hisbeautiful belt.[91]The hardest conflict then commenced. Many fell on both sides, but more of the Scotch, as Sturlas sings.

18.Where cuirasses rung, our generous youths, formed in a circle, prostrated the illustrious givers of bracelets. The birds of prey were gluttonously filled with lifeless limbs. What great chieftain shall avenge the fate of the renowned wearer of the Belt?

18.

Where cuirasses rung, our generous youths, formed in a circle, prostrated the illustrious givers of bracelets. The birds of prey were gluttonously filled with lifeless limbs. What great chieftain shall avenge the fate of the renowned wearer of the Belt?

During the battle there was so great a tempest that King Haco saw no possibility of bringing the army ashore. Ronald, and Eilif of Naustadale, however, with some men, rowed to land, and greatly distinguished themselves; as did those troops who had before gone out in their boats. Ronald, in the end, was repulsed to his ships; but Eilif behaved most heroically. The Norwegians now began to form themselves anew; and the Scotch took possession of the rising ground. There were continued skirmishes with stones and missile weapons; buttowards evening the Norwegians made a desperate charge against the Scotch on the hill, as is here recorded.

19.The champions of Nordmæra's[92]Lord saluted the stout, harnassed Barons, with the rough music of battle. The train of the supporter of thrones, courageous, and clad in steel, marched to the din of clashing swords.20.At the conflict of corselets on the blood-red hill, the damasked blade hewed the mail of hostile tribes, ere the Scot, nimble as the hound, would leave the field to the followers of our all-conquering king.

19.

The champions of Nordmæra's[92]Lord saluted the stout, harnassed Barons, with the rough music of battle. The train of the supporter of thrones, courageous, and clad in steel, marched to the din of clashing swords.

20.

At the conflict of corselets on the blood-red hill, the damasked blade hewed the mail of hostile tribes, ere the Scot, nimble as the hound, would leave the field to the followers of our all-conquering king.

The Scotch then left the eminence, and fled, where they could, away totheir mountains. The Norwegians, perceiving this, retired to their boats, and rowing out to their ships, luckily escaped the storm. On the morning they came back in search of the bodies of those who had dropt. Among the dead were Haco of Steini, and Thorgisl Gloppa, both belonging to King Haco's household. There fell also a worthy vassal called Karlhoved, from Drontheim, and another vassal named Halkel, from Fiorde. Besides, there died three Masters of the Lights, Thorstein Bat, John Ballhoved, and Halvard Buniard. It was impossible for the Norwegians to tell how many were killed of the Scotch, because those who dropt were taken up and removed to the woods. King Haco ordered his dead to be carried to a church.

Five days after, King Haco commanded his men to weigh anchor and tobring his ship close under the Cumbras. He was soon joined by the squadron which had been in Loch-long. On the fast day following, the weather was good, and the King sent some retainers ashore to burn the vessels which had been stranded; that same day the King sailed past Cumbra to Melansey,[93]where he lay some nights. Here he was met by the Commissioners he had sent to Ireland, who assured him that the Irish Ostmen would willingly engage to maintain his army till he freed them from the dominion of the English. King Haco was extremely desirous of sailing for Ireland, and, as the wind was not favourable, he held a Council on the subject, but the whole army was against this plan. He, therefore, told them that as he was short of provisions he would steer for the Hebrides. The King then ordered the body of IvarHolm to be carried to Bute, where it was interred.

Afterwards King Haco sailed past Melansey and lay some nights near Arran, then proceeded to Sandey and so to the Mull of Kintire, and at night he arrived north at Gudey; next he sailed out to Ila-sound, where he remained two nights. King Haco laid a contribution, rated at three hundred head of cattle, on the island, but part was to be paid in meal, part in cheese. Haco set sail again on the first Sunday of winter, and met a fog and a storm so violent that few of the ships could carry their sails. The king, therefore, made for Kiararey, and about this time messengers passed between him and King John, but to little purpose. Here the King was informed that his troops had made depredations in Mull, and that some of the Mull-men,with two or three Norwegians, had been killed.

King Haco next sailed in to the Calf of Mull,[94]where he stayed some nights. There King Dugal and Allan his brother took leave of the King, who gave them those estates which King John formerly possessed—Magnus King of Man and other Hebridians had returned home before. He gave Bute to Rudri, and Arran to Margad. To King Dugal he gave the Castle in Kintire which Guthorm Backa-kolf had besieged and taken during the summer. In this expedition King Haco regained all those provinces which King Magnus Barefoot had acquired, and conquered from the Scotch and Hebridians, as is here narrated.

21.The Lord of Egda[95]soon recovered all those territories on the continent which had been subjected by the Scottish tribes. In the western regions none durst contend with the offspring of Ingui.[96]His army, like a gathering tempest, indicated desolation to the dominions of his imperious adversary.

21.

The Lord of Egda[95]soon recovered all those territories on the continent which had been subjected by the Scottish tribes. In the western regions none durst contend with the offspring of Ingui.[96]His army, like a gathering tempest, indicated desolation to the dominions of his imperious adversary.

King Haco, leaving the calf of Mull, sailed to Rauney. Here he overtook Balti a vassal of Shetland, with those who had been sent to the Orkneys, and to whom a permission had been given of returning to Norway. King Haco from Rauney steered northwards. The wind being unfavourable, he made for Westerford in Sky, and ordered the islanders to supply him with provisions. Next he sailed past Cape Wrath,[97]andarriving at Dyrness, there happened a calm, for which reason the King ordered the fleet to be steered into Gia-ford.[98]This was done on the feast of the two apostles, Simon and Jude,[99]which fell on a Sunday. The King spent the night there. On this festival, after mass had been sung, some Scots, whom the Norwegians had taken prisoners, were presented to the King. The King detained one as a hostage, and sent the others up the country, at liberty, on giving a promise that they would return with cattle. On the same day it happened that nine men belonging to Andrew Biusa's ship went ashore to procure water, and an outcry was soon heard from the mainland. The crew, therefore, immediately setting off from their ships, found two men swimming, though badly wounded, and took them on board; the other seven,unarmed, and incapable of making any defence, remained by their boat (which was left aground by the tide) and were killed by the Scotch. The Norwegians landing, carried away their dead; and the Scotch, in the meantime, fled to a wood. On the Monday, King Haco sailed from Gia-ford after having liberated the Scottish hostage, and sent him ashore. The King in the evening reached the Orkneys, and anchored in a certain sound, to the north of Asmundsvo,[100]from whence he, with the greatest part of his fleet, steered for Ronaldsvo. In passing over Pentland Firth, a terrible whirlpool appeared, and in which a ship from Rygia-fylke, with all on board, perished. John of Hestby was driven through the straits, and was very near being swallowed up in the gulf; but, by the mercy of God, his ship was forced east to theocean, and he made for Norway.

While King Haco remained in the Orkneys the most part of his troops sailed to Norway; some went with the King's permission, but others took leave for themselves. King Haco, on his arrival at the islands, had at first given out that he would return immediately to Norway; but, as it was a long time before the wind favoured him, he determined to winter in the Orkneys. He, therefore, named twenty ships that were to remain with him, and dismissed the rest. All the vassals stayed with him, except Eilif of Naustdale; he sailed home. Most of the gentry, however, continued with their Sovereign. The King then despatched letters to Norway, concerning the necessaries he shouldwant. After All Saints Day, the King steered for Medalland[101]harbour; but spent one day at Ronaldsha.

On the Saturday before Martinmas King Haco rode to the port of Medalland, and after mass he was taken very ill. He was aboard his ship during the night; but, on the morning, he ordered mass to be sung on shore. He afterwards held a council to deliberate where the vessels should be laid up; and ordered his men to be attentive, and see after their respective ships. Upon this each captain took the charge of his own galley. Some were laid up in the harbour of Medalland, and others at Skalpeid.[102]

Next King Haco proceeded to Skalpeid, and then rode to Kirkwall. He, with such officers as dined at his table, lodged in the Bishop'spalace. Here the King and the Bishop kept separate tables in the halls, each for his own retinue; but the King dined in the upper story. He ordered certain districts to furnish his nobility and household with provisions. Andrew Plytt had the inspection of the King's table, and delivered out to the courtiers, retainers, masters of the Lights, and other attendants their usual allowance. After the proper arrangements were taken concerning the disposal of the fleet, the different captains went whither their ships were laid up. The Barons who remained at Kirkwall were Briniolf Johnston, Erling Alfson, Ronald Urka, Erling of Birkey, John Drotning, and Erlend Red. The other Barons repaired to their proper districts.

King Haco had spent the summer in much watchfulness and anxiety. Beingoften called to deliberate with his captains, he had enjoyed little rest, and when he arrived at Kirkwall, he was confined to his bed by his disorder. Having lain for some nights, the illness abated, and he was on foot for three days. On the first day he walked about in his apartments; on the second, he attended at the Bishop's chapel to hear mass; and on the third he went to Magnus's Church, and walked round the shrine of St Magnus, Earl of Orkney. He then ordered a bath to be prepared, and got himself shaved. Some nights after he relapsed, and took again to his bed. During his sickness, he ordered the Bible and Latin authors to be read to him. But finding his spirits were too much fatigued by reflecting on what he had heard, he desired Norwegian books might be read to him night and day; first the lives of Saints, and, when they were ended, he made his attendants read the Chroniclesof our Kings from Haldan the Black, and so of all the Norwegian Monarchs in succession, one after the other. The King still found his disorder increasing. He, therefore, took into consideration the pay to be given to his troops, and commanded that a mark of fine silver should be given to each courtier, and half a mark to each of the masters of the lights, chamberlains, and other attendants on his person. He ordered all the ungilt plate belonging to his table to be weighed, and to be distributed if his plain silver fell short. At this time also letters were wrote to Prince Magnus concerning the government of the nation, and some things which the King wanted to have settled respecting the army. King Haco received extreme unctionon the night before the festival of St Lucia.[103]Thorgisl, Bishop of Stavanger, Gilbert Bishop of Hamar, Henry Bishop of Orkney, Abbot Thorleif, and many other learned men were present; and before the unction, all present bade the King farewell with a kiss. He still spoke distinctly; and his particular favourites asked him if he left behind him any other son than Prince Magnus, or any other heirs that should share in the kingdom, but he uniformly persisted that he had no other heirs in the male or female line, than what were publicly known.

When the histories of all the Kings down to Suerer had been recited, he ordered the life of that Prince to be read, and to be continued night and day, whenever he found himself indisposed to sleep.

The festival of the Virgin St. Lucia happened on a Thursday, and onthe Saturday after, the King's disorder increased to such a degree that he lost the use of his speech; and at midnight Almighty God called King Haco out of this mortal life. This was matter of great grief to all those who attended, and to most of those who heard of the event. The following Barons were present at the death of the King, Briniolf Johnson, Erling Alfson, John Drottning, Ronald Urka, and some domestics who had been near the King's person during his illness. Immediately on the decease of the King, Bishops, and learned men were sent for to sing mass. Afterwards all the company went out except Bishop Thorgisl, Briniolf Johnson and two other persons, who watched by the body, and performed all the services due to so illustrious a Lord and Prince as King Haco had been. On Sunday the royal corpse was carried to the upper hall, and laid on a bier. The body was clothed ina rich garb, with a garland on the head, and dressed out as became a crowned monarch. The masters of the lights stood with tapers in their hands, and the whole hall was illuminated. All the people came to see the body, which appeared beautiful and animated, and the King's countenance was as fair and ruddy as while he was alive. It was some alleviation of the deep sorrow of the beholders to see the corpse of their departed Sovereign so decorated. High mass was then sung for the deceased. The Nobility kept watch by the body during the night. On Monday the remains of King Haco were carried to St. Magnus's church, where they lay in state that night. On Tuesday the royal corpse was put into a coffin, and buried in the Choir of St. Magnus's Church, near the steps leading to the shrine of St. Magnus Earl of Orkney. Thetomb was then closed, and a canopy was spread over it. It was also determined that watch should be kept over the King's grave all winter. At Christmas the Bishop and Andrew Plytt furnished entertainments, as the King had directed, and good presents were given to all the soldiers.

King Haco had given orders that his remains should be carried east to Norway, and buried near his Father and relations. Towards the end of winter, therefore, that great vessel which he had had in the west was launched, and soon got ready. On Ash-Wednesday the corpse of King Haco was taken out of the ground; this happened on the third of the nones of March. The Courtiers followed the corpse to Skalpeid where the ship lay, and which was chiefly under the direction of Bishop Thorgisl, andAndrew Plytt. They put to sea on the first Saturday in Lent; but meeting with hard weather, they steered for Silavog.[104]From this place they wrote letters to Prince Magnus acquainting him with the news, and then set sail for Bergen. They arrived at Laxavog[105]before the festival of St. Benedict.[106]On that day Prince Magnus rowed out to meet the corpse. The ship was brought near to the King's palace; and the body was carried up to a summer house. Next morning the corpse was removed to Christ-church, and was attended by Prince Magnus, the two Queens, the Courtiers, and the town's people. The body was then interred in the Choir of Christ-church; and Prince Magnus addressed a long and gracious speech to those who attended the funeral procession. All the multitude present expressed great sorrow of mind as Sturlas says.

22.Three nights did the brave warriors, the flower of chivalry, continue at Bergen, ere they entombed their wise and glorious Prince. The breakers of temper'd metals, stood crowding around the grave of the ruler of the nation, while in their swimming eyes appear'd no look of joy.—Then commenced those bloody feuds which till our days have reigned.

22.

Three nights did the brave warriors, the flower of chivalry, continue at Bergen, ere they entombed their wise and glorious Prince. The breakers of temper'd metals, stood crowding around the grave of the ruler of the nation, while in their swimming eyes appear'd no look of joy.—Then commenced those bloody feuds which till our days have reigned.

King Haco was buried three nights before the festival of the annunciation of the Virgin Mary; and after the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ one thousand two hundred and sixty three years.[107]

FOOTNOTES:[1]Sudr-eyiar, (orig.). The Hebrides or southern division of the Scottish islands, so called in contradistinction to the Orkneys.[2]Godred, Chrou-ban,i.e.the white handed, King of Man.[3]Thursa sker (orig.)i.e.the giants' rocks, Thurso.[4]Solunder-haf, (orig.) the Northern ocean. So called from the Soloe islands near that promontory of Norway called Stad. That species of sea fowl which frequent the Bass, probably received their name from being more commonly found in the Solund isles.[5]Kiarna-borg, (orig.),Fl. Ms.Kianaborg, from the Irishcarna rock, and the Is.borga castle. This castle was situated on a rocky islet near Mul. Fordun calls it Carnborg.[6]Liod-hus,i.e.The residence of Liot. It is not unlikely that the isle of Lewes, & the family of McLeod were so named from Liod earl of Orkney.[7]Kiarareyiar, in the Mss. Kiarbareyiar, the island Kiararey where Alexander died, suddenly, Jul. 8th. 1249.[8]Perhaps the Author means Frissel afterwards Bishop of St Andrews; or Michaelviz.de Weymyss, who was ambassador to Norway, A. D. 1290.[9]Jarlin af Ros ok Kiarnakr son Makamals (orig.). The text here is much vitiated. The author might have read in some Irish accounts, Jarl na Ross (William) McKerchar, McCalom,i.e., the Earl of Ross (William) the son of Ferchard, the son of Malcolm. This William Mac Erchart was a young Hero, and is corruptly called Macentagart by the Scottish historians. Or perhaps, three persons may be alluded to, viz., the Earl of Ross, Kinneach-son (of Kintail), and a MacCamal of Lochaw, all powerful chieftains on the west coast of Scotland. It is, however, not impossible that Kiarnak was some ancient chieftain from whom a branch of the Grants was called Clan-Chiarnach. The Fl. Ms. for Makamals reads Machamals.[10]I Skid (orig.). In the Fl. Ms. ístrid e. to war.[11]The inhuman practice here described was common in those times. From the Landnamaboc we learn that Olver first discouraged this custom. We read, Olver did not permit tossing infants from spear to spear as was usual among pirates, and was therefore surnamed Barna-kall or the protector of Infants.[12]Jol (orig.). The great brumal festival among the Scandinavians. Hence the Scotch word Yule,i.e., Christmas.[13]Nid-ar-os (orig.),i.e., the mouth of the river Nid, now Drontheim.[14]Vikor (orig.), now Bahus in Sweden.[15]Elfa, the river at Gottenburg.[16]An Earl of Sweden and father-in-law to Haco the younger.[17]Liodhusa, a town of Sweden demolisheda.d.1268.[18]May 3.[19]i.e., the hilly country. Harald Harfager divided his kingdom into several counties, each of which was to fit out a squadron of ships on an emergency. The counties were again divided intoskipreidor, or smaller districts, each of which furnished a single vessel properly equipped.[20]i.e., an eminence, near Bergen.[21]By banks of oars we are only to understand benches for the rowers.[22]i.e., Cape-bay, near Bergen.[23]An island and excellent harbour near Bergen.[24]A celebrated poet, uncle to Sigvat Bodvarson, who attended Haco in this expedition, and from whom Sturla probably had his information of facts.[25]The most northerly province of Norway.[26]i.e., no warrior.[27]The Scandinavian Scalds and Mythologists often represented treasures as guarded by monsters, dragons, sea snakes, &c. This notion probably originated from the fabulous tales of those who traded to the Indies. An ancient author, speaking of Scythia, says, “nam qvum in plerisque locis auro & gemmis affluant, Gryphorum immanitate, accessus hominum rarus est.”[28]i.e., Haco.[29]i.e., ships.[30]Gestil, a famous sea king or pirate.[31]Thareyiar-fiörd (orig.), perhaps a mistake for Faroeyiar-fiörd. Torfæus read it Barreyiarfiord.[32]i.e., the column of pillars, perhaps the island Staffa.[33]i.e., the promontory of deer, now Durnish.[34]7th of July.[35]The Norwegians computed by winters: the Scotch did the same, as we see by Winton's chronicle:“Thretty winters and four thanEdan regnyd Max Gowran.”[36]Val-drosar (orig.), the Goddesses of Fate, or Valkyriæ, to whom armour was supposed sacred.[37]i.e., Tribute—Ringa elldingom, (orig.), bright rings:Ringasignify not only rings, or bracelets, but also money; for before the introduction of coinage into the North, very thick spiral gold wires were worn round the wrists of great men, who distributed bits to those who performed any signal service; and such a wire is still to be seen in the Royal Museum at Copenhagen. It is not always easy to discern when byringais understood ornaments for the fingers, bracelets, rings of investiture, or the current money of the times.[38]i.e., the islet, a monastery near Bergen.[39]Afterwards chancellor of Norway.[40]Probably the son of Dugal, the son of Somerled.[41]The father of King Dugal was Rory, I suppose. See notes on pages 34 and 42.[42]Nephew to Sturla author of the Ravens-ode. He attended Haco in this expedition.[43]i.e.ships.[44]i.e.sails.[45]Bla-dufor (orig.),i.e.Blue pigeons. The Scalds frequently compared ships under sail to birds, horses, and other animals in motion.[46]i.e.gold.[47]i.e.ship.[48]Kirkio-vog (orig.)i.e.Church-bay. Kirkwall.[49]Breida-fiardar (orig.),i.e.Broad bay. The firth of Forth.[50]St Olave's day, July 29.[51]Mula in Irish and Icelandic signifies a cape or beak.[52]Kata-nes (orig.),i.e.the promontory of Cadtav or Cathness. Cathness was particularly exposed to the inroads of the Norwegians. On this account great numbers of the inhabitants retired into Murray and the adjacent counties, where they were afterwards known by the name of Clan-Chattan.[53]i.e., the promontory, or Cathness.[54]Baug-gerdar (orig.),i.e.imposer of rings.Baugsignifies anything circular, therefore, in compounded words, it is not easy to discern when it denotes rings or shields, &c. See note onringa, p. 19.[55]This eclipse happened on the 5th of August 1263.[56]St Laurence's wake or vigil, 9th of Aug.[57]Cathness by the ancient Britons was called Pentîr,i.e.the headland, whence the neighbouring firth had its name.[58]i.e.John the Queen, perhaps the ancestor of the McQueens.[59]Asleifarvik (orig.). Fl. MS., Hals-eyiar-vic.[60]i.e.The old woman's rock.Cailleachin Irish, andkerlingin Icelandic signify an old woman.[61]i.e.The promontory. This island was so called because, from its propinquity to the opposite shore, it appeared like a cape. The old Venetian edition of Pliny has “Mella xxv mill. pass. amplior proditur;” in the other copies it is “Reliquarum nulla” &c. Hence the true reading appears to be Reliquarum Mulla &c.[62]Ken-tîr,i.e.the promontory, a Peninsula in Scotland, Kintire.[63]i.e.God's-Island. I take this to be Giga, or, as Fordon calls it, Gia, compounded of the GaelicDhia, God, and the Islandicey, an island.[64]Who this Margad was does not appear from history, I believe.[65]Angus, Lord of Kintire and Ila, was grandson & heir of Reginald king of the isles. His posterity succeeded to the county of Ross, & John, the second Earl, A.D. 1449, gave to his Brother Hugh the Barony of Slate &c. Lord McDonald Baron of Slate, is the direct male representative of Reginald.[66]i.e., rings or bracelets.[67]i.e., ships.[68]i.e.the sea.[69]A celebrated adventurer or sea king.[70]Rudri or Ruari is the Irish abbreviation of Roderic. The person here meant is, no doubt, the second son of King Reginald, & the same who in a donation to the abbey of Sandale, is stiled Rodericus de Kintire filius Reginaldi. This Roderic, it seems, besides Allan & Dougal, had another son Angus McRorie, Lord of Bute, whose daughter and heiress Jean was married to Alexander sixth Lord High Steward, Grand father to Robert II. King of Scotland. Robert, A.D. 1400., gave Bute to his son John from whom the present family of Bute is lineally descended.[71]i.e.the Scotch.[72]i.e.the Scotch.[73]i.e.sea.[74]i.e.ships.[75]Irar. (orig.),i.e.Irish. As the native Irish had suffer'd so much from the Scandinavians it is improbable they would apply for assistance to theSiol Lochlin na beum. We may therefore reasonably conclude that the People here mentioned were the descendants of those Norwegians or Ostmen, who long inhabited the eastern coast of Ireland and founded some of its best towns. A. D. 1201 those Ostmen or Easterlings were still so considerable that, at a recognition taken of the diocese of Limerick, the arbitrators consisted of 12 English, 12 Irish, & 12 Ostmen. Edw. I. gave Gilchrist, William, & John Gilmorys, with other Ostmen in the County of Waterford, peculiar privileges; &, by the rolls of Edw. II. they evidently subsisted, as a distinct people, during the reign of that prince.[76]Kumr-eyiar (orig.),i.e.the Islands of the Cumbrians, two small islands to the West of Scotland.[77]Skipa-fiörd in Islandic, and Loch-Lhong, in Gaelic, signifies the Bay of Ships.[78]Allan & Dougal his brother were, I imagine, the sons of Rudri (see the note on page 34.) This Allan we may suppose to be the same who, in Rymer's Fœdera, is called “Alanus filius Rotherici,” & who A. D. 1284 was one of the Barons that engaged to support Margaret of Norway's title to the crown of Scotland. Dugal was probably the predecessor of McDougal of Dunolyi.e.Olave's tower. The place might receive this name, from having been the residence of Olave, the youngest Son of Somerled thane of Argyle.[79]To avoid long, or dangerous circumnavigations, it was usual for the antients to draw their light canoes over isthmuses. Among the Greeks such places were termedδιολχοιi.e.dragging-places, and there was a very remarkable one near Corinth. By the Scotch they were called Tarbats, from the Gaelictarnto draw, andbaata boat. There was a Tarbat between Loch-Lomond and Loch-Long.[80]Alwin McArkel, as appears from the Chartulary of Glasgow, was created Earl of Levnach by Maol-Coluim IIII., A. D. 1153.[81]No doubt the neighbouring inhabitants retired to the isles of Loch-Lomond in times of danger.[82]i.e.Haco.[83]i.e.without an awning.[84]i.e.ships.[85]i.e., the Scotch.[86]Kerti-sveina (orig.),i.e.Inspectors of the Lights, who were to see that the Norwegian palace was properly illuminated. The office corresponded exactly to the Canhowllyd of the Welsh Princes.[87]In the Fl. Ms. the Norwegians are said to have entered the transport.[88]Fl. MS., Five hundred.[89]Perus or Pherus (orig.), probably Fergus.[90]A quotation from Giraldus's account of the Irish will both illustrate this passage & the antient method of fighting. “Utuntur—securibus quoque amplis, fabrili diligentiâ optimè chalybatis, quas a Norwegiensibus & Oustmannis sunt mutuati. Unâ tantum manu, & non ambabus, securi percutiunt, pollice desuper manubrium in longum extenso ictu regente, a quo nec galea, caput, in conum erecta, nec reliquum corpus ferrea loricæ tricatura tuetur. Unde & in nostris contigit temporibus totam militis coxam ferro utcunque fideliter vestitam, uno securis ictu præcisam fuisse, ex unâ equi parte coxâ cum tibiâ, ex altera verò, corpore cadente moribundo. Lapides quoque pugillares, cum alia arma defecerint, hostibus in conflictu damnosissimos, præ alia gente promptius, & expeditius ad manum habent.”[91]Knights at their creation were invested with belts ornamented with gems. See Malmsb., book 2, chap. 6.[92]A district of Norway.[93]Melanzeiar (orig.). Fl. Ms. Melas eyiar, perhaps the island of Lamlash or Alisa.[94]Mylar-Kalf (orig.). Among the Norwegians a small island adjoining to a greater was called its calf, as the calf of Mull, the calf of Man, &c.[95]A subdivision of Norway.[96]Yngua (orig.), one of Haco's predecessors.[97]Hvarf, (orig.), signifies an intervening ridge that intercepts the prospect—Farohead.[98]Giafiörd (orig.) Fl. Ms. Goa-fiörd.[99]October 28.[100]Asmundar-vogi (orig.),i.e., Asmund's Bay.[101]Probably some harbour of the Mainland, one of the Orkneys.[102]A cape of Pomona.[103]December 13.[104]i.e.Herring bay.[105]i.e.Salmon bay.[106]March 21.[107]Here it must be observed that the Norwegian year commenced March 25. So that, according to our reckoning, Haco died in March 1264.

[1]Sudr-eyiar, (orig.). The Hebrides or southern division of the Scottish islands, so called in contradistinction to the Orkneys.

[2]Godred, Chrou-ban,i.e.the white handed, King of Man.

[3]Thursa sker (orig.)i.e.the giants' rocks, Thurso.

[4]Solunder-haf, (orig.) the Northern ocean. So called from the Soloe islands near that promontory of Norway called Stad. That species of sea fowl which frequent the Bass, probably received their name from being more commonly found in the Solund isles.

[5]Kiarna-borg, (orig.),Fl. Ms.Kianaborg, from the Irishcarna rock, and the Is.borga castle. This castle was situated on a rocky islet near Mul. Fordun calls it Carnborg.

[6]Liod-hus,i.e.The residence of Liot. It is not unlikely that the isle of Lewes, & the family of McLeod were so named from Liod earl of Orkney.

[7]Kiarareyiar, in the Mss. Kiarbareyiar, the island Kiararey where Alexander died, suddenly, Jul. 8th. 1249.

[8]Perhaps the Author means Frissel afterwards Bishop of St Andrews; or Michaelviz.de Weymyss, who was ambassador to Norway, A. D. 1290.

[9]Jarlin af Ros ok Kiarnakr son Makamals (orig.). The text here is much vitiated. The author might have read in some Irish accounts, Jarl na Ross (William) McKerchar, McCalom,i.e., the Earl of Ross (William) the son of Ferchard, the son of Malcolm. This William Mac Erchart was a young Hero, and is corruptly called Macentagart by the Scottish historians. Or perhaps, three persons may be alluded to, viz., the Earl of Ross, Kinneach-son (of Kintail), and a MacCamal of Lochaw, all powerful chieftains on the west coast of Scotland. It is, however, not impossible that Kiarnak was some ancient chieftain from whom a branch of the Grants was called Clan-Chiarnach. The Fl. Ms. for Makamals reads Machamals.

[10]I Skid (orig.). In the Fl. Ms. ístrid e. to war.

[11]The inhuman practice here described was common in those times. From the Landnamaboc we learn that Olver first discouraged this custom. We read, Olver did not permit tossing infants from spear to spear as was usual among pirates, and was therefore surnamed Barna-kall or the protector of Infants.

[12]Jol (orig.). The great brumal festival among the Scandinavians. Hence the Scotch word Yule,i.e., Christmas.

[13]Nid-ar-os (orig.),i.e., the mouth of the river Nid, now Drontheim.

[14]Vikor (orig.), now Bahus in Sweden.

[15]Elfa, the river at Gottenburg.

[16]An Earl of Sweden and father-in-law to Haco the younger.

[17]Liodhusa, a town of Sweden demolisheda.d.1268.

[18]May 3.

[19]i.e., the hilly country. Harald Harfager divided his kingdom into several counties, each of which was to fit out a squadron of ships on an emergency. The counties were again divided intoskipreidor, or smaller districts, each of which furnished a single vessel properly equipped.

[20]i.e., an eminence, near Bergen.

[21]By banks of oars we are only to understand benches for the rowers.

[22]i.e., Cape-bay, near Bergen.

[23]An island and excellent harbour near Bergen.

[24]A celebrated poet, uncle to Sigvat Bodvarson, who attended Haco in this expedition, and from whom Sturla probably had his information of facts.

[25]The most northerly province of Norway.

[26]i.e., no warrior.

[27]The Scandinavian Scalds and Mythologists often represented treasures as guarded by monsters, dragons, sea snakes, &c. This notion probably originated from the fabulous tales of those who traded to the Indies. An ancient author, speaking of Scythia, says, “nam qvum in plerisque locis auro & gemmis affluant, Gryphorum immanitate, accessus hominum rarus est.”

[28]i.e., Haco.

[29]i.e., ships.

[30]Gestil, a famous sea king or pirate.

[31]Thareyiar-fiörd (orig.), perhaps a mistake for Faroeyiar-fiörd. Torfæus read it Barreyiarfiord.

[32]i.e., the column of pillars, perhaps the island Staffa.

[33]i.e., the promontory of deer, now Durnish.

[34]7th of July.

[35]The Norwegians computed by winters: the Scotch did the same, as we see by Winton's chronicle:“Thretty winters and four thanEdan regnyd Max Gowran.”

[35]The Norwegians computed by winters: the Scotch did the same, as we see by Winton's chronicle:

“Thretty winters and four thanEdan regnyd Max Gowran.”

[36]Val-drosar (orig.), the Goddesses of Fate, or Valkyriæ, to whom armour was supposed sacred.

[37]i.e., Tribute—Ringa elldingom, (orig.), bright rings:Ringasignify not only rings, or bracelets, but also money; for before the introduction of coinage into the North, very thick spiral gold wires were worn round the wrists of great men, who distributed bits to those who performed any signal service; and such a wire is still to be seen in the Royal Museum at Copenhagen. It is not always easy to discern when byringais understood ornaments for the fingers, bracelets, rings of investiture, or the current money of the times.

[38]i.e., the islet, a monastery near Bergen.

[39]Afterwards chancellor of Norway.

[40]Probably the son of Dugal, the son of Somerled.

[41]The father of King Dugal was Rory, I suppose. See notes on pages 34 and 42.

[42]Nephew to Sturla author of the Ravens-ode. He attended Haco in this expedition.

[43]i.e.ships.

[44]i.e.sails.

[45]Bla-dufor (orig.),i.e.Blue pigeons. The Scalds frequently compared ships under sail to birds, horses, and other animals in motion.

[46]i.e.gold.

[47]i.e.ship.

[48]Kirkio-vog (orig.)i.e.Church-bay. Kirkwall.

[49]Breida-fiardar (orig.),i.e.Broad bay. The firth of Forth.

[50]St Olave's day, July 29.

[51]Mula in Irish and Icelandic signifies a cape or beak.

[52]Kata-nes (orig.),i.e.the promontory of Cadtav or Cathness. Cathness was particularly exposed to the inroads of the Norwegians. On this account great numbers of the inhabitants retired into Murray and the adjacent counties, where they were afterwards known by the name of Clan-Chattan.

[53]i.e., the promontory, or Cathness.

[54]Baug-gerdar (orig.),i.e.imposer of rings.Baugsignifies anything circular, therefore, in compounded words, it is not easy to discern when it denotes rings or shields, &c. See note onringa, p. 19.

[55]This eclipse happened on the 5th of August 1263.

[56]St Laurence's wake or vigil, 9th of Aug.

[57]Cathness by the ancient Britons was called Pentîr,i.e.the headland, whence the neighbouring firth had its name.

[58]i.e.John the Queen, perhaps the ancestor of the McQueens.

[59]Asleifarvik (orig.). Fl. MS., Hals-eyiar-vic.

[60]i.e.The old woman's rock.Cailleachin Irish, andkerlingin Icelandic signify an old woman.

[61]i.e.The promontory. This island was so called because, from its propinquity to the opposite shore, it appeared like a cape. The old Venetian edition of Pliny has “Mella xxv mill. pass. amplior proditur;” in the other copies it is “Reliquarum nulla” &c. Hence the true reading appears to be Reliquarum Mulla &c.

[62]Ken-tîr,i.e.the promontory, a Peninsula in Scotland, Kintire.

[63]i.e.God's-Island. I take this to be Giga, or, as Fordon calls it, Gia, compounded of the GaelicDhia, God, and the Islandicey, an island.

[64]Who this Margad was does not appear from history, I believe.

[65]Angus, Lord of Kintire and Ila, was grandson & heir of Reginald king of the isles. His posterity succeeded to the county of Ross, & John, the second Earl, A.D. 1449, gave to his Brother Hugh the Barony of Slate &c. Lord McDonald Baron of Slate, is the direct male representative of Reginald.

[66]i.e., rings or bracelets.

[67]i.e., ships.

[68]i.e.the sea.

[69]A celebrated adventurer or sea king.

[70]Rudri or Ruari is the Irish abbreviation of Roderic. The person here meant is, no doubt, the second son of King Reginald, & the same who in a donation to the abbey of Sandale, is stiled Rodericus de Kintire filius Reginaldi. This Roderic, it seems, besides Allan & Dougal, had another son Angus McRorie, Lord of Bute, whose daughter and heiress Jean was married to Alexander sixth Lord High Steward, Grand father to Robert II. King of Scotland. Robert, A.D. 1400., gave Bute to his son John from whom the present family of Bute is lineally descended.

[71]i.e.the Scotch.

[72]i.e.the Scotch.

[73]i.e.sea.

[74]i.e.ships.

[75]Irar. (orig.),i.e.Irish. As the native Irish had suffer'd so much from the Scandinavians it is improbable they would apply for assistance to theSiol Lochlin na beum. We may therefore reasonably conclude that the People here mentioned were the descendants of those Norwegians or Ostmen, who long inhabited the eastern coast of Ireland and founded some of its best towns. A. D. 1201 those Ostmen or Easterlings were still so considerable that, at a recognition taken of the diocese of Limerick, the arbitrators consisted of 12 English, 12 Irish, & 12 Ostmen. Edw. I. gave Gilchrist, William, & John Gilmorys, with other Ostmen in the County of Waterford, peculiar privileges; &, by the rolls of Edw. II. they evidently subsisted, as a distinct people, during the reign of that prince.

[76]Kumr-eyiar (orig.),i.e.the Islands of the Cumbrians, two small islands to the West of Scotland.

[77]Skipa-fiörd in Islandic, and Loch-Lhong, in Gaelic, signifies the Bay of Ships.

[78]Allan & Dougal his brother were, I imagine, the sons of Rudri (see the note on page 34.) This Allan we may suppose to be the same who, in Rymer's Fœdera, is called “Alanus filius Rotherici,” & who A. D. 1284 was one of the Barons that engaged to support Margaret of Norway's title to the crown of Scotland. Dugal was probably the predecessor of McDougal of Dunolyi.e.Olave's tower. The place might receive this name, from having been the residence of Olave, the youngest Son of Somerled thane of Argyle.

[79]To avoid long, or dangerous circumnavigations, it was usual for the antients to draw their light canoes over isthmuses. Among the Greeks such places were termedδιολχοιi.e.dragging-places, and there was a very remarkable one near Corinth. By the Scotch they were called Tarbats, from the Gaelictarnto draw, andbaata boat. There was a Tarbat between Loch-Lomond and Loch-Long.

[80]Alwin McArkel, as appears from the Chartulary of Glasgow, was created Earl of Levnach by Maol-Coluim IIII., A. D. 1153.

[81]No doubt the neighbouring inhabitants retired to the isles of Loch-Lomond in times of danger.

[82]i.e.Haco.

[83]i.e.without an awning.

[84]i.e.ships.

[85]i.e., the Scotch.

[86]Kerti-sveina (orig.),i.e.Inspectors of the Lights, who were to see that the Norwegian palace was properly illuminated. The office corresponded exactly to the Canhowllyd of the Welsh Princes.

[87]In the Fl. Ms. the Norwegians are said to have entered the transport.

[88]Fl. MS., Five hundred.

[89]Perus or Pherus (orig.), probably Fergus.

[90]A quotation from Giraldus's account of the Irish will both illustrate this passage & the antient method of fighting. “Utuntur—securibus quoque amplis, fabrili diligentiâ optimè chalybatis, quas a Norwegiensibus & Oustmannis sunt mutuati. Unâ tantum manu, & non ambabus, securi percutiunt, pollice desuper manubrium in longum extenso ictu regente, a quo nec galea, caput, in conum erecta, nec reliquum corpus ferrea loricæ tricatura tuetur. Unde & in nostris contigit temporibus totam militis coxam ferro utcunque fideliter vestitam, uno securis ictu præcisam fuisse, ex unâ equi parte coxâ cum tibiâ, ex altera verò, corpore cadente moribundo. Lapides quoque pugillares, cum alia arma defecerint, hostibus in conflictu damnosissimos, præ alia gente promptius, & expeditius ad manum habent.”

[91]Knights at their creation were invested with belts ornamented with gems. See Malmsb., book 2, chap. 6.

[92]A district of Norway.

[93]Melanzeiar (orig.). Fl. Ms. Melas eyiar, perhaps the island of Lamlash or Alisa.

[94]Mylar-Kalf (orig.). Among the Norwegians a small island adjoining to a greater was called its calf, as the calf of Mull, the calf of Man, &c.

[95]A subdivision of Norway.

[96]Yngua (orig.), one of Haco's predecessors.

[97]Hvarf, (orig.), signifies an intervening ridge that intercepts the prospect—Farohead.

[98]Giafiörd (orig.) Fl. Ms. Goa-fiörd.

[99]October 28.

[100]Asmundar-vogi (orig.),i.e., Asmund's Bay.

[101]Probably some harbour of the Mainland, one of the Orkneys.

[102]A cape of Pomona.

[103]December 13.

[104]i.e.Herring bay.

[105]i.e.Salmon bay.

[106]March 21.

[107]Here it must be observed that the Norwegian year commenced March 25. So that, according to our reckoning, Haco died in March 1264.

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