At that time the realm of Norway was in great prosperity. The bondes
were rich and powerful, unaccustomed to hostilities or violence, and the
oppression of roving troops; so that there was soon a great noise and
scandal when they were despoiled and robbed. The people of Viken were
very friendly to Erling and King Magnus, principally from the popularity
of the late King Inge Haraldson; for the Viken people had always served
under his banner. Erling kept a guard in the town, and twelve men were
on watch every night. Erling had Things regularly with the bondes, at
which the misdeeds of Sigurd's people were often talked over; and by
the representations of Erling and his adherents, the bondes were brought
unanimously to consider that it would be a great good fortune if these
bands should be rooted out. Arne, the king's relation, spoke well and
long on this subject, and at last severely; and required that all
who were at the Thing,--men-at-arms, bondes, towns-men, and
merchants,--should come to the resolution to sentence according to law
Earl Sigurd and all his troop, and deliver them to Satan, both living
and dead. From the animosity and hatred of the people, this was agreed
to by all; and thus the unheard-of deed was adopted and confirmed by
oath, as if a judgment in the case was delivered there by the Thing
according to law. The priest Hroald the Long-winded, who was a very
eloquent man, spoke in the case; but his speech was to the same purpose
as that of others who had spoken before. Erling gave a feast at Yule in
Tunsberg, and paid the wages of the men-at-arms at Candlemas.