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138 NOTES
PaGE 70. IN THE CAMP.
The material of this Song is provided by Chapters 212 and 215 of the
Saga of Olaf the Holy.
“Two men are named, one hight Gowk-Thorir, and the other Afra-
fasti; they were way-layers, and the most of robbers, and they had
with them thirty men of their fashion. These brethren were bigger and
stronger than other men, nor did they lack for boldness and stout héart.
They heard of the host that was faring over the land there, and they
said between them, that it would be handy rede to fare to the king and
to follow him to his own land, and there to go into a folk-battle with
him, and thus to approve themselves; for erst had they never been in
battles such as were of hosts arrayed, and they were wistful exceeding
to see the battles of the king. This rede their fellows liked well, and so
they made their journey to find the king.
“And when they came there, they went with their band before the
king, and all these fellows stood all-weaponed. They greeted him, and
he asked what men they were. They named themselves, and said that
they were men of that land. And therewithal they upbore their errand
and bade the king to fare with him.
“The king said that it seemed to him that of such men there would
be good following; ‘therefore I am fain,’ says he, ‘to take such men;
but are ye Christian men?’ says he.
“ Answers Gowk-Thorir, saying that he was neither Christian nor
heathen: ‘We fellows have no other faith than this, that we trust to our
might and main, and our victory-goodhap; and that worketh enough
for us.” The king answers: ‘It is great scathe that men of such valiant
bearing trow not in Christ, their Shaper.” Answered Thorir: ‘Is there
any one in thy company, king, of the men of Christ, who hath waxed
more in one day than we brethren?’
“The king bade them be christened and take the right faith there-
with: ‘And follow me thereafter, and I shall make you men of mickle
worship; but if ye will not this, then fare ye back about your business.”
“ Afrafasti answers, saying that he will take no christening; and
therewithal they turn away. Then said Gowk-Thorir: ‘It is a great
shame indeed that this king should make us castaways of his company;
for I never was before whereas I was not partaker against any other
man; never shall I go back as things now stand.’
“So they threw themselves in company with the other mark-men,
and followed the host.
“ And now King Olaf maketh his way westward towards the Keel.
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