Heimskringla; Or, The Chronicle of the Kings of Norway

19. OF KING MAGNUS OLAFSON.

When King Magnus Olafson heard of Hardaknut's death, he immediately sent people south to Denmark, with a message to the men who had bound themselves by oath to the peace and agreement which was made between King Magnus and Hardaknut, and reminded them of their pledge. He added, as a conclusion, that in summer (A.D. 1042.) he would come with his army to Denmark to take possession of his Danish dominions, in terms of the agreement, or to fall in the field with his army. So says Arnor, the earls' skald:—

     "Wise were the words, exceeding wise,
     Of him who stills the hungriest cries
     Of beasts of prey—the earl's lord;
     And soon fulfilled will be his word:
     'With his good sword he'll Denmark gain,
     Or fall upon a bloody plain;
     And rather than give up his cause,
     Will leave his corpse to raven's claws.'"