Erling Skjalgson and all his sons had been all summer in King Canute's
army, in the retinue of Earl Hakon. Thorer Hund was also there, and
was in high esteem. Now when King Canute heard that King Olaf had gone
overland to Norway, he discharged his army, and gave all men leave to
go to their winter abodes. There was then in Denmark a great army of
foreigners, both English, Norwegians, and men of other countries,
who had joined the expedition in summer. In autumn (A.D. 1027) Erling
Skjalgson went to Norway with his men, and received great presents from
King Canute at parting; but Thorer Hund remained behind in King Canute's
court. With Erling went messengers from King Canute well provided with
money; and in winter they travelled through all the country, paying
the money which King Canute had promised to many in autumn for their
assistance. They gave presents in money, besides, to many whose
friendship could be purchased for King Canute. They received much
assistance in their travels from Erling. In this way it came to pass
that many turned their support to King Canute, promised him their
services, and agreed to oppose King Olaf. Some did this openly, but many
more concealed it from the public. King Olaf heard this news, for many
had something to tell him about it; and the conversation in the court
often turned upon it. Sigvat the skald made a song upon it:--
"The base traitors ply
With purses of gold,
Wanting to buy
What is not to be sold,--
The king's life and throne
Wanting to buy:
But our souls are our own,
And to hell we'll not hie.
No pleasure in heaven,
As we know full well,
To the traitor is given,--
His soul is his hell."
Often also the conversation turned upon how ill it beseemed Earl Hakon
to raise his hand in arms against King Olaf, who had given him his life
when he fell into the king's power; but Sigvat was a particular friend
of Earl Hakon, and when he heard the earl spoken against he sang:--
"Our own court people we may blame,
If they take gold to their own shame,
Their king and country to betray.
With those who give it's not the same,
From them we have no faith to claim:
'Tis we are wrong, if we give way."