The news came to Norway that King Canute had assembled an immense
armament through all Denmark, with which he intended to conquer Norway.
When this became known the people were less willing to join King Olaf,
and he got but little aid from the bondes. The king's men often spoke
about this among themselves. Sigvat tells of it thus:--
"Our men are few, our ships are small,
While England's king is strong in all;
But yet our king is not afraid--
O! never be such king betrayed!
'Tis evil counsel to deprive
Our king of countrymen to strive
To save their country, sword in hand:
Tis money that betrays our land."
The king held meetings with the men of the court, and sometimes
House-things with all his people, and consulted with them what
they should, in their opinion, undertake. "We must not conceal from
ourselves," said he, "that Canute will come here this summer; and that
he has, as ye all know, a large force, and we have at present but few
men to oppose to him; and, as matters now stand, we cannot depend much
on the fidelity of the country people." The king's men replied to his
speech in various ways; but it is said that Sigvat the skald replied
thus, advising flight, as treachery, not cowardice, was the cause of
it:--
"We may well fly, when even our foe
Offers us money if we go.
I may be blamed, accused of fear;
But treachery, not faith, rules here.
Men may retire who long have shown
Their faith and love, and now alone
Retire because they cannot save--
This is no treachery in the brave."