The horseman says, "Thy brother, King Harald, sends thee salutation,
with the message that thou shalt have the whole of Northumberland; and
rather than thou shouldst not submit to him, he will give thee the third
part of his kingdom to rule over along with himself."
The earl replies, "This is something different from the enmity and scorn
he offered last winter; and if this had been offered then it would have
saved many a man's life who now is dead, and it would have been better
for the kingdom of England. But if I accept of this offer, what will he
give King Harald Sigurdson for his trouble?"
The horseman replied, "He has also spoken of this; and will give him
seven feet of English ground, or as much more as he may be taller than
other men."
"Then," said the earl, "go now and tell King Harald to get ready for
battle; for never shall the Northmen say with truth that Earl Toste left
King Harald Sigurdson to join his enemy's troops, when he came to fight
west here in England. We shall rather all take the resolution to die
with honour, or to gain England by a victory."
Then the horseman rode back.
King Harald Sigurdson said to the earl, "Who was the man who spoke so
well?"