246 CHRONICLE OF THE SAGA XIV. public, rich and poor, young and old, his own and God's salutation- The misfortune is known to all men that on account of our childhood — thou being but five, and I but three years of age — we can under- take nothing without the counsel of our friends and other good men. Now I and my men think that we stand nearer to the danger and necessity common to us both, than thou and thy friends ; therefore make it so that thou, as soon as possible, come to me, and as strong in troops as possible, that we may be assem- bled to meet whatever may come. He will be our best friend who does all he can that we may be united, and may take an equal part in all things. But if thou refuse, and wilt not come after this message which I send thee in need, as thou hast done before, then thou must expect that I will come against thee with an armament: and let God decide between us; for we are not in a condition to sit here at so great an expense, and with so numerous a body of troops as are neces- sary here on account of the enemy, and besides many other pressing charges, whilst thou hast all the land- tax and other revenues of Norway. Live in the peace of God!" Chatter Thcu Ottar Birtiug stood up in the Thing, and ottar ' first of all answered thus : " This is King Sigurd's n'elcK^ reply to his brother King Inge — that God will reward him for his good salutation, and likewise for the trouble and burden which he and his friends have in this kingdom, and in matters of necessity which aifect them both. Although now some think there is some- thing sharp in King Inge's message to his brother Sigurd, yet he has in many respects sufficient cause for it. Now I will make known to you my opinion, and we will hear if King Sigurd and the other people of power will agree to it; and it is, that thou. King Sigurd, make thyself ready, with all the people who will follow thee, to defend thy country ; and go as
