King Olaf Kyrre was a great friend of his brother-in-law, the Danish
king, Canute the holy. They appointed a meeting and met at the Gaut
river at Konungahella, where the kings used to have their meetings.
There King Canute made the proposal that they should send an army
westward to England on account of the revenge they had to take there;
first and foremost King Olaf himself, and also the Danish king. "Do one
of two things," said King Canute,--"either take sixty ships, which I
will furnish thee with, and be thou the leader; or give me sixty ships,
and I shall be the leader." Then said King Olaf, "This speech of thine,
King Canute, is altogether according to my mind; but there is this
great difference between us; your family has had more luck in conquering
England with great glory, and, among others, King Canute the Great;
and it is likely that this good fortune follows your race. On the other
hand, when King Harald, my father, went westward to England, he got his
death there; and at that time the best men in Norway followed him. But
Norway was so emptied then of chosen men, that such men have not since
been to find in the country; for that expedition there was the most
excellent outfit, and you know what was the end of it. Now I know my own
capacity, and how little I am suited to be the leader; so I would rather
you should go, with my help and assistance."
So King Olaf gave Canute sixty large ships, with excellent equipment and
faithful men, and set his lendermen as chiefs over them; and all must
allow that this armament was admirably equipt. It is also told in the
saga about Canute, that the Northmen alone did not break the levy
when the army was assembled, but the Danes would not obey their king's
orders. This king Canute acknowledged, and gave them leave to trade in
merchandise where they pleased through his country, and at the same time
sent the king of Norway costly presents for his assistance. On the other
hand he was enraged against the Danes, and laid heavy fines upon them.