Heimskringla; Or, The Chronicle of the Kings of Norway

43. HARALD'S PRIDE.

King Harald was very proud, and his pride increased after he was established in the country; and it came so far that at last it was not good to speak against him, or to propose anything different from what he desired. So says Thiodolf, the skald:—

     "In arms 'tis right the common man
     Should follow orders, one by one,—
     Should stoop or rise, or run or stand,
     As his war-leader may command;
     But now to the king who feeds the ravens
     The people bend like heartless cravens—
     Nothing is left them, but consent
     To what the king calls his intent."