Svein, the Danish king, also drew up his fleet, and laid his ship
forward in the center against King Harald's ship, and Fin Arnason laid
his ship next; and then the Danes laid their ships, according as they
were bold or well-equipt. Then, on both sides, they bound the ships
together all through the middle of the fleets; but as the fleets were
so large, very many ships remained loose, and each laid his ship forward
according to his courage, and that was very unequal. Although the
difference among the men was great, altogether there was a very great
force on both sides. King Svein had six earls among the people following
him. So says Stein Herdison:--
"Danger our chief would never shun,
With eight score ships he would not run:
The Danish fleet he would abide,
And give close battle side by side.
From Leire's coast the Danish king
Three hundred ocean steeds could bring,
And o'er the sea-weed plain in haste
Thought Harald's vessels would be chased."