Einar Tambaskelfer was the principal man among the bondes all about
Throndhjem, and answered for them at the Things even against the king's
men. Einar knew well the law, and did not want boldness to bring forward
his opinion at Things, even if the king was present; and all the bondes
stood by him. The king was very angry at this, and it came so far that
they disputed eagerly against each other. Einar said that the bondes
would not put up with any unlawful proceedings from him if he broke
through the law of the land; and this occurred several times between
them. Einar then began to keep people about him at home, and he had many
more when he came into the town if the king was there. It once happened
that Einar came to the town with a great many men and ships; he had with
him eight or nine great war-ships and nearly 500 men. When he came to
the town he went up from the strand with his attendants. King Harald was
then in his house, standing out in the gallery of the loft; and when
he saw Einar's people going on shore, it is said Harald composed these
verses:--
"I see great Tambaskelfer go,
With mighty pomp, and pride, and show,
Across the ebb-shore up the land,--
Before, behind, an armed band.
This bonde-leader thinks to rule,
And fill himself the royal stool.
A goodly earl I have known
With fewer followers of his own.
He who strikes fire from the shield,
Einar, may some day make us yield,
Unless our axe-edge quickly ends,
With sudden kiss, what he intends."
Einar remained several days in the town.