Heimskringla; Or, The Chronicle of the Kings of Norway

33. BURNING IN FYEN.

As soon as King Magnus heard that Svein with his troops had gone across to Fyen, he sailed after them; and when Svein heard this news he went on board ship and sailed to Scania, and from thence to Gautland, and at last to the Swedish King. King Magnus landed in Fyen, and plundered and burned over all; and all of Svein's men who came there fled far enough. Thiodolf speaks of it thus:—

     "Fiona isle, once green and fair,
     Lies black and reeking through the air:
     The red fog rises, thick and hot,
     From burning farm and smouldering cot.
     The gaping thralls in terror gaze
     On the broad upward-spiring blaze,
     From thatched roofs and oak-built walls,
     Their murdered masters' stately halls.

     "Svein's men, my girl, will not forget
     That thrice they have the Norsemen met,
     By sea, by land, with steel, with fire,
     Thrice have they felt the Norse king's ire.
     Fiona's maids are slim and fair,
     The lovely prizes, lads, we'll share:
     Some stand to arms in rank and row,
     Some seize, bring off, and fend with blow."

After this the people of Denmark submitted to King Magnus, and during the rest of the winter, there was peace. King Magnus then appointed some of his men to govern Denmark; and when spring was advanced he sailed northwards with his fleet to Norway, where he remained a great part of the summer.