When the king had been one night at Lesjar he proceeded on his journey with his men, day by day; first into Gudbrandsdal, and from thence out to Redemark.Now it was seen who had been his friends, for they followed him; but those who had served him with less fidelity separated from him, and some showed him even indifference, or even full hostility, which afterwards was apparent; and also it could be seen clearly in many Upland people that they took very ill his putting Thorer to death, as before related.King Olaf gave leave to return home to many of his men who had farms and children to take care of; for it seemed to them uncertain what safety there might be for the families and property of those who left the country with him.Then the king explained to his friends his intention of leaving the country, and going first east into Svithjod, and there taking his determination as to where he should go; but he let his friends know his intention to return to the country, and regain his kingdoms, if God should grant him longer life; and he did not conceal his expectation that the people of Norway would again return to their fealty to him."I think," says he, "that Earl Hakon will have Norway but a short time under his power, which many will not think an extraordinary expectation, as Earl Hakon has had but little luck against me; but probably few people will trust to my prophecy, that Canute the Great will in the course of a few years die, and his kingdoms vanish; and there will he no risings in favour of his race." When the king had ended his speech, his men prepared themselves for their departure.The king, with the troop that followed him, turned east to Eid forest.And there were along with him the Queen Astrid; their daughter Ulfhild; Magnus, King Olaf's son; Ragnvald Brusason; the three sons of Arne, Thorberg, Fin, and Arne, with many lendermen;and the king's attendants consisted of many chosen men.Bjorn the marshal got leave to go home, and he went to his farm, and many others of the king's friends returned home with his permission to their farms.The king begged them to let him know the events which might happen in the country, and which it might be important for him to know; and now the king proceeded on his way.
191.KING OLAF PROCEEDS TO RUSSIA.
It is to be related of King Olaf's journey, that he went first from Norway eastward through Eid forest to Vermaland, then to Vatnsby, and through the forests in which there are roads, until he came out in Nerike district.There dwelt a rich and powerful man in that part called Sigtryg, who had a son, Ivar, who afterwards became a distinguished person.Olaf stayed with Sigtryg all spring (A.D.1029); and when summer came he made ready for a journey, procured a ship for himself, and without stopping went on to Russia to King Jarisleif and his queen Ingegerd; but his own queen Astrid, and their daughter Ulfhild, remained behind in Svithjod, and the king took his son Magnus eastward with him.King Jarisleif received King Olaf in the kindest manner, and made him the offer to remain with him, and to have so much land as was necessary for defraying the expense of the entertainment of his followers.King Olaf accepted this offer thankfully, and remained there.It is related that King Olaf was distinguished all his life for pious habits, and zeal in his prayers to God.But afterwards, when he saw his own power diminished, and that of his adversaries augmented, he turned all his mind to God's service; for he was not distracted by other thoughts, or by the labour he formerly had upon his hands, for during all the time he sat upon the throne he was endeavouring to promote what was most useful: and first to free and protect the country from foreign chiefs' oppressions, then to convert the people to the right faith; and also to establish law and the rights of the country, which he did by letting justice have its way, and punishing evil-doers.
192.CAUSES OF THE REVOLT AGAINST KING OLAF.
It had been an old custom in Norway that the sons of lendermen, or other great men, went out in war-ships to gather property, and they marauded both in the country and out of the country.But after King Olaf came to the sovereignty he protected the country, so that he abolished all plundering there; and even if they were the sons of powerful men who committed any depredation, or did what the king considered against law, he did not spare them at all, but they must suffer in life or limbs; and no man's entreaties, and no offer of money-penalties, could help them.So says Sigvat: --"They who on viking cruises drove With gifts of red gold often strove To buy their safety -- but our chief Had no compassion for the thief.
He made the bravest lose his head Who robbed at sea, and pirates led;And his just sword gave peace to all, Sparing no robber, great or small."And he also says: --"Great king! whose sword on many a field Food to the wandering wolf did yield, And then the thief and pirate band Swept wholly off by sea and land --Good king! who for the people's sake Set hands and feet upon a stake, When plunderers of great name and bold Harried the country as of old.
The country's guardian showed his might When oft he made his just sword bite Through many a viking's neck and hair, And never would the guilty spare.
King Magnus' father, I must say, Did many a good deed in his day.
Olaf the Thick was stern and stout, Much good his victories brought out."He punished great and small with equal severity, which appeared to the chief people of the country too severe; and animosity rose to the highest when they lost relatives by the king's just sentence, although they were in reality guilty.This was the origin of the hostility of the great men of the country to King Olaf, that they could not bear his just judgments.He again would rather renounce his dignity than omit righteous judgment.
