People talked variously about Earl Ragnvald; some said he was King
Olaf's sincere friend; others did not think this likely, and thought it
stood in his power to warn the Swedish king to keep his word, and the
agreement concluded on between him and King Olaf. Sigvat the poet often
expressed himself in conversation as Earl Ragnvald's great friend, and
often spoke of him to King Olaf; and he offered to the king to travel to
Earl Ragnvald's and spy after the Swedish kings doings, and to attempt,
if possible, to get the settlement of the agreement. The king thought
well of this plan; for he oft, and with pleasure, spoke to his
confidential friends about Ingegerd, the king's daughter. Early
in winter (A.D. 1019) Sigvat the skald, with two companions, left
Sarpsborg, and proceeded eastwards over the moors to Gautland. Before
Sigvat and King Olaf parted he composed these verses:--
"Sit happy in thy hall, O king!
Till I come back, and good news bring:
The skald will bid thee now farewell,
Till he brings news well worth to tell.
He wishes to the helmed hero
Health, and long life, and a tull flow
Of honour, riches, and success--
And, parting, ends his song with this.
The farewell word is spoken now __
The word that to the heart lies nearest;
And yet, O king! before I go,
One word on what I hold the dearest,
I fain would say, "O! may God save
To thee the bravest of the brave,
The land, which is thy right by birth!"
This is my dearest with on earth."
Then they proceeded eastwards towards Eid, and had difficulty in
crossing the river in a little cobble; but they escaped, though with
danger: and Sigvat sang:--
"On shore the crazy boat I drew,
Wet to the skin, and frightened too;
For truly there was danger then;
The mocking hill elves laughed again.
To see us in this cobble sailing,
And all our sea-skill unavailing.
But better did it end, you see,
Than any of us could foresee."