King Svein Alfifason was staying in South Hordaland when he heard
this news of war. He immediately sent out war-tokens to four different
quarters, summoned the bondes to him, and made it known to all that they
should join him with men and ships to defend the country. All the men
who were in the neighbourhood of the king presented themselves; and the
king formed a Thing, at which in a speech he set forth his business, and
said he would advance against Magnus Olafson and have a battle with him,
if the bondes would aid his cause. The king's speech was not very long,
and was not received with much approbation by the bondes. Afterwards the
Danish chiefs who were about the king made long and clever speeches; but
the bondes then took up the word, and answered them; and although many
said they would follow Svein, and fight on his side, some refused to do
so bluntly, some were altogether silent, and some declared they would
join King Magnus as soon as they had an opportunity. Then King Svein
says, "Methinks very few of the bondes to whom we sent a message have
appeared here; and of those who have come, and tell us to our face that
they will join King Magnus as soon as they can, we shall have as little
benefit as of those who say they will sit at home quietly. It is the
same with those who say nothing at all. But as to those who promise to
help us, there are not more than every other man; and that force will
avail us little against King Magnus. It is my counsel, therefore, that
we do not trust to these bondes; but let us rather go to the land where
all the people are sure and true to us, and where we will obtain forces
to conquer this country again." As soon as the king had made known
this resolution all his men followed it, turned their ship's bows, and
hoisted sail. King Svein sailed eastward along the land, and then set
right over to Denmark without delay, and Hardaknut received his brother
Svein very kindly. At their first meeting Hardaknut offered King Svein
to divide the kingdom of Denmark with him, which offer King Svein
accepted.