THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES BlbltotiDeca Cuiioga THE H^ovwcGian account OK ACAIN'ST SCOTLAND A.l). MCCi.XlIl, ijlerally translated from the ori;^inal Ujla>!^it> of the Flateyan and Frisian MSS. BV THE Rkv. JAMES JOHNSTONK A.M., WITH ADDITIONAL MOTES \'\ |..1)MUN1) GOI.DSMIl), V.R.H.S.- F.S.A. (Scot.) I'KIVATICI.V PKIN-TED, KUlNMiUUUH. i88s. IRorwcgian account Kii}^ Skdo'^ 5.3<^ ^'A)T the time that King Haco' ruled over Nor- way, Alexander,^ the son of William, King of Scotland, was then King of Scotland. He was a great prince, and very ambitious of this world's praise. He sent, from Scotland in the Western Sea, two bishops to King Haco. At first they begged to know if King Haco would give up those territories in the Hebrides,^ which King Magnus ' This was Haco IV., the bastard son of Swerro. He began to reign in 1207. — E. G. - Alexander H. — E. G. * Sudr-Eyiar (orig.) The Hebrides or Southern Division of the Scottish Islands, so called in contra- distinction to the Orkneys. 14 NOKWF.GIA.N EXI-LDITION Barefoot had unjustly wTested from Malcolm, predecessor to the Scottish King. The King said that Magnus had settled with Malcolm what dis- tricts the Norwegians should have in Scotland, or in the islands which lay near it. He affirmed, however, that the King of Scotland had no sove- reignty in the Hebrides at the time when King Magnus won them from King Godred.' And also that King Magnus only asserted his birth- right. The commissioners then said that the King of Scotland was willing to purchase all the Hebrides from King Haco, and entreated him to value them in fine silver. The King replied, he knew no such urgent want of money as would oblige him to sell his inheritance. With that answer the messengers departed. From this cause some misunderstanding arose between the Kings. The Scottish Monarch, however, fre- quently renewed the negotiation, and sent many proposals ; but the Scots received no other ex- planation than what is here related. MCCXLIX. Alexander, King of Scotland, wished much for possession of the Hebrides. He had often sent to Norway to redeem them with money, and he did ' Godred Chrou-ban, i.e., the White-Handed, King of Man. AGAINST SCOILAM), 15 SO this summer. But when he could nut purchase those territories of King Haco, he took other measures in hand which were not princely. Collecting forces throughout all Scotland, he pre- pared for a voyage to the Hebrides, and deter- mined to subdue those islands under his dominion. He made it manifest before his subjects that he would not desist till he had set his standard east on the cliffs of Thurso,' and had reduced under himself all the provinces which the Norwegian monarch possessed to the westward of the German Ocean." King Alexander sent word to John, King of the Isles, 3 that he wished to see him. But King John would not meet the Scottish king till four earls of Scotland had pledged their honour that he should return in safety whether any agreement was made or not. \\'hen the kings met, the Scottish mon- arch besought King John that he would give up Kiamaburgh * into his power, and three other ' Thursa sker (orig.), i.e., the giant's rocks, Thurso. - Solunder-haf (orig.), the Northern Ocean. So called from the Soloe Islands near that promontory of Norway called Stad. That species of sea-fowl which frequent the Bass probably received their name from being more commonly found in the Solund Isle;. 3 Eogan (in Gaelic, Eoin) Earl of Argyll. — £. G. * Kiarna-borg (orig.), Fl. MS. Kianaborg, from the Irish cam, a rock, and the Icelandic, hrg, a castle. This castle was situated on a rocky islet near Mull. For- Hun calls it Carnhjrg. i6 XoKWEGiAN Expedition castles which he held of King Haco ; as also, the other lands which King Haco had conferred upon him. The Scottish king added, that, if he would join him in good earnest, he would reward him with many greater estates in Scotland, together with his confidence and favour. All King John's relations and friends pressed him to assent. But he behaved well and uprightly, and declared that he would not break his oath to King Haco. On this King John went away, and stopped not at any place till he came quite north to Lewes.' King Alexander, then lying in Kiararey Sound,* dreamed a dream, and thought three men came to him. He thought one of them was in royal robes, but very stern, ruddy in countenance, somewhat thick, and of middling size. Another seemed of a slender make, but active, and of all men the most engaging and majestic. The third, again, was of very great stature, but his features were distorted, and of all the rest he was the most un- sightly. They addressed their speech to the king, and enquired whether he meant to invade the Hebrides. Alexander thought he answered, that ' Liorl-hus, i.e., the residence of Liot. It is not unlikely that the isle of Lewes and the family of M'Leod were so named from Liod, EarL of Orkney. ^ Kiarareyiar, in the MSS. Kiarbareyiar, the island Kiararey (Karera, opposite Ohan), where .Alexander died suddenly, Jul. 8th, 1249. AGAINST Scotland. 17 he certainly proposed to subject the islands. The genius of the vision bade him go back, and told him no other measure would turn out to his ad- vantage. The king related his dream, and many advised him to return. But the king would not, and a little after he was seized with a disorder, and died. The Scottish army then broke up, and they removed the king's body to Scotland. The Hebridians say that the men whom the king saw in his sleep were St. Olave, King of Norway; .St. Magnus, Earl of Orkney ; and St. Columba. The Scotch took for their king Alexander, the son of King Alexander. He afterwards married the daughter of Henry, King of England, and be- came a great prince. ' In summer there came, from Scotland in the west, an archdeacon, and a knight called Missel,^ as envoys from Alexander, King of Scotland. They shewed more fair language than truth, as seemed to King Haco. They set out so abruptly on their return that none wist till they were under sail. The king' dispatched Briniolf Johnson 3 in ' Alexander III. attained his majority in 1262: he married Margaret, daughter of Henry III. — E. C. ^ Perhaps the author means Frissel, afterwards Bishop of St. Andrews ; or Michael, i'/«., de Wemyss, who was ambassador to Norway, a.d. 1290. ' More properly, Brynjulf Jonsson. — E. G. 18 Norwegian Expedition pursuit, and he detained them with him. The king declared that they should remain that winter in Norway, because they had gone away without taking leave, contrary to what other envoys did.' MCCLXII. In summer there came letters from the kings of the Hebrides in the western seas.^ They com- plained much of the hostilities which the Earl of Ross, 3 Kiarnach, the son of Mac-Camal, and other ' Alexander complained of the treatment of his ambassadors to Henry III. of England, who wrote on the 23d of March 1262 to Haco on the subject. The ambassadors were released before 1 5th November of the same year, as is proved by letters from Henry to Haco, of that date, thanking him for sending them home. — E. G. ^ The letters referred to here were propably the ones written by Dugal M'Rory. (See Tennent's Trans- lation.) — E. G. 3 Jarlin af Ros ok Kiarnakr son Makamals (orig.) The text here is much vitiated. The author might have read in some Irish accounts, Jarl na Ross (Wil- liam) M'Kerchar, M'Ca'om, i.e., the Earl of Ross (William) the son of Ferchard, the son of Malcolm. This William MacErchart was a young hero, and is corruptly called Macentagart by the Scottish histo- rians. Or, perhaps, three persons may be alluded to, v z., the Earl of Ross, Kinneach — son (of Kintail), and a MacCamal of Lochaw, all powerful chieftains on the west coast of Scotland. It is, however, not impossible that Kiarnak was some ancient chieftain, from whom a branch of the Grants was called Clan- Chiarnach. The Fl. MS. for Makamals reads Macha- mals. AGAINST Scotland. 19 Scots committed in the Hebrides when they went out to Sky. ' They burned villages, and churches, and they killed great numbers both of men and women. They affirmed, that the Scotch had even taken the small children, and, raising them on the points of their spears, shook them till they fell down to their hands, when they threw them away lifeless on the ground.^ They said also, that the Scottish king purposed to subdue all the Hebrides, if life was granted him. When King Haco heard these tidings, they gave him much uneasiness, and he laid the case before his council. Whatever objections were made, the resolution was then taken, that King Haco should in winter, about Christmas, 3 issue an edict through all Norway, and order out both what troops and provisions he thought his dominions could possibly supply for an expedition. He commanded all his forces to meet him at Bergen about the beginning of spring. ' I Skid (orig.). In the Fl. MS. istrid, i.e., to war. - The inhuman practice here described was common in those times. From the Landnamaboc we learn that Olver first discouraged this custom. We read, Olver did not permit tossing infants from spear to spear, as was usual among pirates, and was therefore surnamed Barna-Kall, or the protector of infants. ^ Jol (orig.). The great brumal festival among the Scandinavians. Hence the Scotch word Yule, i.e., Christmas 20 Norwegian ExpRnirioN MCCLXIII. Near the middle of Lent King Haco travelled from Drontheim' to Orkadal, thence east through the mountains^ to Bahus,^ and so eastwards to El- far'' to see Earl Birger,^ according to an appoint- ment that they should meet at Liodhus in Easter week. But when King Haco came to Liodhus" the Earl was already gone away, and so the King returned north to Bahus. King Haco arrived at Bergen on the day of the invention of the Cross.' He remained there dur- ing the spring, and proceeded in his preparations with great diligence. Prince Magnus,® having given the necessary directions through Rygia- fulke^ concerning the expedition and the equip- ' Nid-ar-os (orig.), i.e., the mouth of the river Nid, now Drontheim. - Dovrefield mountains. — E. G. 3 Vikor (orig.), now Bahus, in Sweden. * Elfa, the river at Gottenburg. 5 An earl of Sweden, and father-in-law to Haco the younger. * Liodhusa, a town of Sweden, demolished a.d. iz68. 7 May 3. ^ The son of Haco. 9 i.e., the hilly country. Harald Harfager divided his kingdom into several counties, each of which was to fit out a squadron of ships on an emergency. The counties were again divided into skipreidor, or smaller districts, each of which furnished a single vessel pro- perly equipped. AGAINST bCO'lLAND. 21 ment of the fleet, went to join King Ilaco. After that a great number of barons, and oflicers, and vassals, and a vast many soldiers, flocked in daily to the Capital. Iving Haco held a general council near Bergen, at Backa.' There the numerous host was assem- bled together. The King then declared concern- ing the expedition, that this whole army was intended against Scotland in the western seas, and to revenge the inroads which the Scotch had made into his dominions. Prince Magnus begged to command this expedition instead of King Haco, who should remain at home. He thanked him in many courteous words ; but he observed, that he himself was older, and had longer acquaintance with the western lands, and that, therefore, he himself would go this voyage. He, however, gave Prince Magnus full power to rule the nation in his absence. At this council he settled many regula- tions respecting the internal government of the country ; and he granted to the yeomanry, that, while he was away, no Sheriff" should decide on any cause, unless such cause was of the greatest necessity. During this voyage King Haco had that great vessel which he had caused to be constructed at ' i.e, an eminence near Bergen. 22 N'OkWKniA.N Exi'KUrilUN Bergen. It was built entirely of oak, and con- tained twenty -seven banks of oars." It was orna- mented with heads and necks of dragons beautifully overlaid with gold.^ He had also many other well- appointed ships. In the spring King Haco sent John Langlifeson and Henry Scott^ west to the Orkneys, to pro- cure pilots for Shetland.-* From thence John sailed to the Hebrides, and told King Dugal that he might expect an army from the east. It had been rumoured that the Scots would plunder in the islands that summer ; King Dugal, therefore, spread abroad a report that forty ships were com- ing from Norway. And by this means he pre- vented the Scotch from making a descent. Some time before the king himself was ready, he sent eight ships to the westward. The cap- tains of these were Ronald Urka, Erling Ivarson, Andrew Nicolson, and Halvard Red.s They con- tinued some days out in the road, as the wind did not favour them.* ' By banks of oars we are only to understand benches for the rowers. ^ This ship was called the " Christsuden." — E.G. 3 Evidently a Scotchman. — E. G. -* The meaning of this sentence is that they were to procure pilots for the Scottish Seas, who were to join the expedition in Shetland. — E. G. 5 Munch calls him Halvard Rand. — E. G. * These ships were intended for the support of Man. — E. G. AGAINST Scotland. 23 \\ hen the king had prepared his ship, he re- Tnoved all his army from the capital to Eidsvags;' afterwards he himself returned to the city, where he remained some nights, and then set out for Herlover.- Here all the troops, both from the northern and southern districts, assembled, as is described in the Raven's Ode,^ which Sturla-* sung: — I. From the recesses of Finland,5 bands, keen for battle, sought the potent Ruler of the storm of javelins. The boisterous deep, that girds this earth, bore the ships of the Protector of thrones west from the streams of Gotelfa/" King Haco mustered all his force at Herlover. It was a mighty and splendid armament. The ' i.e., Cape Bay, near Bergen. - An island and excellent harbour near Bergen. Munch calls it " Herdle-vaer." — E. G. 3 The "Ravnsmual" of Storla Thordssoen.— E. G. •* A celebrated poet, uncle to Sigvat Bodvarson, who attended Haco in this expedition, and from whom Sturla probably had his information of facts. 5 The most northerly province of Norway. ^ Or Gota.— E. G. ' 24 N t ' K \v K( ; 1 A N Scot land. king had many large and well-appointed ships, as is thus described : — II. No terrifier of dragons,' guardians of the hoarded treasure,^ e'er in one place beheld more numerous hosts. The stainer of the sea-fowl's beak/ resolved to scour the main, far distant shores connected by swift fleets. III. A glare of light blazed from'' the power- ful, far-famed monarch, while, carried by the sea-borne wooden coursers = of Ges- tils,* he broke to'' the roaring waves. The " I.e., no warrior. - The Scandinavian scalds and mythologists often represented treasures as guarded by monsters, dragons, sea snakes, &c. This notion probably originated from the fabulous tales of those who trade to the Indies. An ancient author, speaking of Scythia, says — "Nam quum in plerisque locis auro & gemmis affluant, Gry- phorum immanitate, accessus hominum rarus est." "^ i.e., Haco. ■t Rather " upon."— E. G. 5 i.e., ships. * Gestil, a famous sea-king or pirate. ? Dashed through. — E. G. ACAiNsT Scotland. 25 swelling sails, of keels that ride the surge, reflected the beams of the unsullied sun around the umpire of wars. Some nights after King Haco had arrived at Herlover, Ronald and Erling sailed out of the bay with their squadron. Ronald was separated trom the rest at sea, and made for the Orkneys with some of the ships. But Erling, and Andrew, and Halvard steered south before Shetland, and so to the west of Tharey- fiord,' and they saw no land except Sulna-Stapa^ west of the Orkneys. Afterwards they sailed in to Scotland under Dyr- ness.3 They went up into the country, and de- stroyed a castle, but the garrison had fled. They burned more than twenty hamlets. Next they steered for the Hebrides, and found there Magnus, King of Man. Three nights before the Selian-* vigils ^ King Haco set sail for the German Sea with all his ' Thareyiar-fiord (orig.), perhaps a mistake for Faroeyiar-fiord. Torfces read it Barreyiarfiord. - Mr. Johnstone suggested that Sulna Stapa meant Staffa. It is more probable, from its being stated to be ivest of the Orkneys, that the Sulesker, a barren cliff, is intended. — E. G. "> i.e., the promontory of Deer, now Durnish. ■* The Seljumannaka. — E. G. 5 7th of July. C 26 Norwegian Expedition fleet. He had now been King of Norway six-and- forty winters.' He had a favourable breeze; the weather was fair, and the armament beautiful to behold, as Sturlas relates. IV. The abyss returned the flaming gleam of war, darted from the bright gUttering concave shields of the goddesses of battle.* This voyage, by the bands of the troubler of peace, through the sea that streams around the world, was unwelcome to the foe — they dreaded the exactor of rings.^ ' The Norwegians computed by winters ; the Scotch did the same, as we see by Winton's Chronicle :— " Thretty winters and four than Edan regnyd Max Gowran." ' Val-drosar (orig.), the Goddesses of Fate ; or Val- kyrise, to whom armour was supposed sacred. 3 i.e., tribute-ringa elldingon (orig.), bright rings. Ringa signify not only rings, or bracelets, but also money ; for before the introduction of coinage into the north, very thick spiral gold wires were worn round the wrists of great men, who distributed bits to those who performed any signal service ; and such a wire is still to be seen in the Royal Museum at Copen- hagen. It is not always easy to discern when by ringa is understood ornaments for the fingers, bracelets, rings of investiture, m the current money of the times. AGAINST Scotland. 27 King Haco had a company particularly selected for his own ship. There were on the quarter- deck Thorlife, Abbot of Holm,' Sir Askatin,^ four priests, chaplains to the king, Andrew of This- sisey, Aslac Guss, the king's master of the horse, Andrew Hawardson, Guthorm Gillas n, and Thorstein, his brother, Eirek Scot Gautson, with many others. There were on the main-deck As lack Dagson, Steinar Herka, Klomit Langi Andrew Gums, Eirek Dugalson,^ the father of King Dugal,'' Einar Lang-bard, Arnbiorn Suela Sigvat Bodvarson,5 Hoskuld Oddson, John Hog lif. Ami Stinkar. On the fore-deck there were Si gurd, the son of Ivar Rofu, Ivar Helgason of Lofloc Erlend Scolbein, Dag of Southeim, Briniolf John son, Gudleik Sneis, and most of the king's cham berlains, with Andrew Plytt, the king's treasurer There were in the fore-castle Eirek Skifa, Thorfin Sigvald, Kari Endridson, Gudbrand Johnson, and many of the cup-bearers. In general, there were four men on every half-rower's seat. With King Haco, Magnus, Earl of Orkney, left Bergen, and ' i.e.j the islet, a monastery near Bergen. - Afterwards chancellor of Norway. 3 Probably the son of Dugal, the son of Somerled. * The father of King Dugal was Rory, I suppose. See Notes on pp. 9 and 18. '' Nephew to Sturia, author of the Raven's Ode. He attended Haco in this expedition. 28 Norwegian Exiediiion the king gave him a good galley. These barons were also with the king, Briniolf Johnson, Fin Gausson, Erling Alfson, Erlend Red, Bard of Hestby, Eilif of Naustadale, Andrew Pott, Og- mund Krekidants, Erling Ivarson, John Drotning. Gaut of Meli, and Nicholas of Giska, were behind with Prince Magnus at Bergen, as were several other sea officers who had not been ready. Many approved commanders were, however, with King Haco, and of whom mention hath been made. King Haco, having got a gentle breeze, was two nights at sea, when he reached that harbour of Shetland called Breydeyiar Sound,' with a great part of his navy, as Sturla sings : — V. The leader of his people unmoored the ploughers of the ocean, ^ and raised aloft the expanded wings ^ of his sky-blue doves."* Our sovereign, rich in the spoils of the sea-snake's den,^ viewed the retir- ' Bressa Sound, near Lerwick. — E. G. - i.e., ships. 3 i.e., sails. * Bla-dufor (orig.), i.e., blue pigeons. The Scalds frequently compared ships under sail to birds, horses, and other animals in motion. 5 i.e., gold. AGAINST SCOTLAM). 29 ing haven from the stern of his snorting steed,' adorned with ruddy gold. King Haco remained in Bredeyiar Sound near half a month, and from thence sailed to the Ork- neys, and continued some time at Elidarwic,^ which is near Kirkwall. ^ There he declared before his men that he would divide his forces, and send one part south to the Firth of Forth •• to plunder. But he himself wished to remain in the Orkneys with the largest ships and greater part of the army. The vassals and retainers, however, spoke against this scheme, and made it evident that they would go nowhere unless with the king himself; so this proposed expedition was dropt. After St. Olave's wakeS King Haco, leaving Elidarwic, sailed south before the Mull^ of Ron- aldsha with all his navy. At this place King Haco was joined by Ronald from the Orkneys, with the ships that had followed him. King Flaco next led the whole armament into Ronaldsvo, and lay there for some space. He then sent men over ' i.e.y ship. - The present Elweck. — E. G. '' Kirkio-vog (orig.), i.e., Church Bay. Kirkwall. •* Breida-fiard.ir (orig.), i.e, Broad Bay. The Firth of Forth. — Johnstone, Munch takes it to be the Murray Firth. — E. G. 5 St. Olave's Day, July 29. '' Mula in Irish and Icelandic signifies a cape or beak. 30 Norwegian Expedition 10 Cathnesb' to levy contribution, lie, on the one hand, proposed peace if the inhabitants would yield, but otherwise heavy punishment. The Cathnesians submitted to the ta.\, and King Haco appointed collectors to receive it, as is here inti- mated. VI. First our wise sovereign, the bestower of peace, and defender of the northern thrones, imposed tribute, the ransom of hfe, on the dweller of the Ness." All its tribes were terrified by the steel-clad exactor of rings,^ and panic-struck at his mighty power. While King Haco lay in Ronaldsvo a great darkness drew over the sun, so that only a little ' Kata-nes (orig.\ i.e., the promontory of Cadtav or Cathness. Cathness was particularly exposed to the inroads of the Norwegians. On this acconnt great numbers of the inhabitants retired into Murray and the adjacent counties, where they were afterwards known by the name of Clan-Chattan. ' i.e., the promontory, or Cathness. 5 Baug-gerdar (orig.), i.e., imposer of rings. Baug signifies anything circular, therefore, in compounded words, it is not easy to discern when it denotes rings or shields, &c. See Note on Ringa, p. 26. ACAINST SCOTI.AM). 3I ring was bright round the sun,' and it continued so for some hours. ^ On the day of St. Laurence's wake^ King Haco, having ordered the Orkney men to follow him as soon as they were ready, sailed over Pent- land Firth;'' Earl Magnus, however, staid behind. He was here informed that John Drotnings and Kolbein Aslacson, with the ships expected from the east, but which had been accidentally de- tained, were arrived in the islands. King Haco then sailed with all his forces to a haven that is called Asleifarvic,* from that to Lewes, so on to Raasa, and from thence to that place in Skye Sound which is called Callach Stane.? Here he was joined by Magnus, King of Man, and the re- ' This statement proves how accurate is this account of the expedition, as it has been calculated that this Eclipse took place on the 5th August 1263, at 1.40 P.M., and was perfectly annular in the latitude of Ronaldsay. It also settles beyond doubt the year of the expedition. — E. G. - This eclipse happened on the 5th of August 1263. ^ St. Laurence's wake or vigil, 9th of August. * Cathness by the ancient Britons was called Pentir, i.e., the headland, whence the neighbouring firth had its name. S i.e., John the Queen, perhaps the ancestor of the M'Queens. * Asleifarvick (orig.). Fl. MS., Hals-eyiar-vic. ' i.e., the old woman's rock. Cailleach in Irish, and Kerling in Icelandic, signify an old woman. -^2 NiiRVVECIAN Exi'KUlTiON lalions Erliny Ivarson, Andrew Nicolson, and Halward. lie next proceeded to the Sound of Mull," and then to Kiararey, where King Dugal and the other Hebridians were assembled with all their troops. King Haco had now above an hundred vessels,^ for the most part large, and all of them well provided both with men and arms. While King Haco remained at Kiararey he divided his forces, and sent fifty ships south to the Mull of Kintire^ to plunder. The captains ap- pointed over them were King Dugal, Magnus, King of Man, Briniolf Johnson, Ronald Urka, Andrew Pott, Ogmund Krrekidants, Vigleic Priestson. lie also ordered five ships'* for Bute; these were under the command of Erlend Red, Andrew Nicolson, Simon Stutt, Ivar Ungi P^yfari, and Gutthorm, the Hebridian, each in his own ship. ' i.e., the promontory. This island was so called because, from its propinquity to the opposite shore, it appeared like a cape. The old Venetian edition of Pliny has " Mella xxv. mill. pass, amplior proditur j" in the other copies it is "Reliquarum nulla," &c. Hence the true reading appears to be, Reliquarum Mulla, &c. ^ The Scottish historians fix the number of ships at 140. — E. G. 3 Ken-tir, i.e., the promontory or peninsula in Scot- land, Kintire. ■• Munch fixes the number at 15.— (See Taitietit's Triinslation, p. 24.)^E. G. AGAINST Scotland. 33 King Haco sailed afterwards south to Gudey, ' before Kintire, where he anchored. There King John met him ; he came in the ship with Bishop Thorgill. King Haco desired him to follow his banner, as he should do. But King John excused himself. He said he had sworn an oath to the Scottish King, and held of him more lands than ufthe Norwegian Monarch; he therefore entreated King Haco to dispose of all those estates which he had conferred upon him. King Haco kept him with him some time, and endeavoured to in- cline his mind to fidelity. Many laid imputations to his charge. King Haco, indeed, had before received bad accounts of him from the Hebrides, for John Langlifeson came to the king, while he was sailing west from Shetland, and told him the news, that John, King of the Hebrides, breaking his faith, had turned to the Scottish Monarch. King Haco, however, would not believe this till he had found it so. During King Haco's stay at Gudey, an abbot of a monastery of Greyfriars waited on him, begging protection for their dwelling and Holy Church: and this the king granted them in writing. Friar Simon had lain sick for some time. He died at ' i.e., God's Island. I take this to be Giga, or, as Fordon calls it, Gia, compounded of the Gaelic D/iia, God, and the Icelandic ey, an island. 34 NoKWEr.iAN Expedition (.uuley. His corpse was afterwards carried up to Kintire, where the Greyfriars interred him in their church. They spread a fringed pall over his grave, and called him a saint. About this time men came from King Dugal. and said that the Lords of Kintire, Margad' and .\ngus^ (also proprietor of Ila), were willing to surrender the lands which they held to King Haco, and to order their dependants to join him. The king answered, that he would not lay waste the peninsula if they submitted on the following day before noon ; if not, he gave them to understand he would ravage it. The messengers returned. Next morning Margad came and gave up every- thing into the king's power; a little after Angus arrived, and likewise did the same. The king then said that, if they would enter into articles with him, he would reconcile them with the King of Scotland. On this they took an oath to King Haco, and delivered hostages. The king laid a ' Who this Margad was does not appear from his- tory, I believe. ^ Angus, Lord of Kintire and Ila, was grandson and heir of Reginald, King of the Isles. His posterity succeeded to the county of Ross, and John, the second earl, a.d. 1449, gave to his brother, Hugh, the baronv of Slate, &c. Lord M'Donald, Baron of Slate, is the direct male representative of Reginald. AGAINST Scotland. 35 line of a thousand head of cattle on their estates. ' Angus yielded up Ila also to the king, and the king returned Ila to Angus upon the same terms that the other barons in the Hebrides enjoyed their lands ; this is recorded in the Raven's Ode. VII. Our sovereign, sage in council, the im poser of tribute, and brandisher of the keen falchion, directed his long galleys thro' the Hebrides. He bestowed Ila, taken by his troops, on the valiant Angus, the generous distributor of the beauteous ornaments of the hand." VIII. Our dareful king, that rules the mon- sters of the deep,^ struck excessive terror into all the regions of the Western Ocean. Princes bowed their head in subjection to the cleaver of the battered helm ; he often ' According to Munch, the number was 1200 head of cattle.— E. G. - i.e., rings or bracelets. 3 i.e., ships. 36 Norwegian Expedition dismisscU the suppliants in peace, and dispelled their apprehensions of the waste- ful tribes. South in Kintire' there was a castle held by a knight who came to wait on King Haco, and surrendered the fortress into his hands. The King conferred this castle upon Guthorm Backa- kolf. We must next speak of that detachment of the army, which the king had sent towards the Mull of Ivintire to pillage. The Norwegians made a descent there. They burnt the hamlets that were before them, and took all the effects that they could find. They killed some of the inhabitants; the rest fled where they could. But, when they were proceeding to the greater villages, letters arrived from King Haco forbidding them to plunder. Afterwards they sailed for Gudey to rejoin King Haco, as is here said. IX. The openers of gushing wounds, un- daunted of soul, proceeded in the paths ^ of the famed Getis,^ from the south round Kintire. Our heroes, rousers of the ' Probably Donaverty. — E. G. ^ i.e., the sea. 3 A celebrated adventurer or sea kine. AGAINST Scotland. 37 ihundering tempest of swords, glutted the swift, sable-clad birds of prey in Scotland. The wind was not favourable. King Haco, however, made Andrew Pott go before him south to Bute, with some small vessels, to join those he had already sent thither. News was soon received that they had won a fortress, the garrison of which had capitulated, and accepted terms of the Norwegians. There was with the Norwegians a sea-officer, called Rudri.' He considered Bute as his Birth-right; and because he had not received the Island of the Scotch he committed many ravages, and killed many people; and for that he was outlawed by the Scottish king. He came to King Haco, and took the oaths to him ; and with two of his brothers became his subjects. As soon as the garrison, after having delivered up the strong-hold, were gone away from the Nor- ' Rudri or Ruari is the Irish abbreviation of Roderic. The person here meant is, no doubt, the second son of King Reginald, and the same who, in a donation to the abbey of Sandale, is styled Rodericus de Kintire filius Reginald!. This Roderic, it seems, besides Allan and Dougal, had another son, Angus M'Rorie, Lord of Bute, whose daughter and heiress Jean was married to Alexander, sixth Lord High Steward, grandfather to Robert IL, King of Scotland. Robert, A.D. 1400, gave Bute to his son John, from whom the present family of Bute is lineally descended. 430953 38 Norwegian Expedition wegians, Rudri killed nine of them, because he thought that he owed them no goodwill. After- wards King Haco reduced the island, as is here said. X. The wide-extended Bute was won from the forlorn wearers' of rings by the renowned and invincible troops of the promoter of conquest, — they wielded the two-edged sword — the foes of our Ruler dropt, and the Raven from his fields of slaughter, winged his flight for the Hebrides. The Norwegians who had been in Bute went to Scotland, where they burned many houses and several towns. Rudri, proceeding a great way, did all the mischief that he could, as is here described. XI. The habitations of men, the dwellings of the wretched, flamed. Fire, the de- vourer of halls, glowed in their granaries. The hapless throwers of the dart,'' fell near the Swan-frequented plain,^ while ' i.e., the Scotch. " i.e., the Scotch i.e., the SC3. ACAINST SCOI'LAND. 39 south from our floating pines ' marched a host of warriors. While King Haco was in the Hebrides, deputies came to him from Ireland intimating that the Irish ^ Ostmen would submit to his power, if he would secure them from the encroachments of the English, who possessed all the best towns along the sea-coast. King Haco accordingly sent Sigurd the Hebridean, with some fast-sailing vessels, to examine on what terms the Irish invited him thither. After this King Haco sailed south before the Mull of Kintire with all his fleet, and anchored ' i.e., ships. ' Irar. (orig.), i.e. Irish. As the native Irish had suffered so much from the Scandinavians, it is im- probable they would apply for assistance to the Siol Lochlin na beum. We may therefore reasonably con- clude that the people here mentioned were the descendants of those Norwegians or Ostmen, who long inhabited the eastern coast of Ireland, and founded some of its best towns, a.d. 1201, those Ostmen or Easterlings were still so considerable that, at a recognition taken of the diocese of Limerick, the arbitrators consisted of 12 English, and 12 Irish, and 12 Ostmen. Edward I. gave Gilchrist, William, and John Gilmorys, with other Ostmen in the county of Waterford, peculiar privileges ; and, by the rolls of Edward II. they evidently subsisted as a distinct people during the reign of that prince. — Munch is of opinion, on the other hand, that they were de- scendants of the O'Loghlen or O'Neill races. —E.G. 40 NoKWEGiAN Expedition for some time in Arran Sound.' Then there came often Predicant, or Barefooted friars, from the Scottish Monarch, to King Haco, to sound him about a pacification between the two Sove- reigns, At this juncture also King Ilaco set King John at liberty ; and bidding him go in peace, wherever he would, gave him several rich presents. He promised King Haco to do every- thing in his power to effectuate a peace between him and the Scottish King; and that he would immediately return to King Haco whenever he desired him. Soon after King Haco sent Gilbert, Bishop of Hamar, Henry, Bishop of Orkney, Andrew Nicolson, Andrew Plytt, and Paul Soor as envoys to treat about a peace with the King of Scotland. They went to the Scottish Monarch, and laid before him their overtures.^ He received them honourably, seemed inclined to a compromise, and said that such terms of accommodation as he would consent to, would be transmitted to King Haco. The commissioners departed ; and the Scottish envoys arrived soon after. King Haco had ordered that all the Islands to the west of Scotland, which he called his, should be wrote down. The King of Scotland again had named all such as he would not relinquish. These were ' The Harbour of Lamlash. — E. G. ^ Alexander was then at Norar, or New Ayr.— E. G. AGAINST Scotland. 41 liute, Anaii, and the two Cumbras;' as to other matters there was very little dispute between the Sovereigns; but, however, no agreement took place. The Scotch purposely declined any accommodation, because summer was drawing to a period, and the weather was becoming bad. Finding this, Haco sailed in, with all his forces, past the Cumbras. Afterwards an interview in Scotland was agreed upon for a reconciliation." King Haco sent thither a Bishop and a Baron; and to meet them came some knights and monks. They spoke much about an accommodation, but, at last, things ended the same way as formerly. Towards the conclusion of the day a greater number of Scots convened from the country than the Norwegians thought were to be trusted. They, therefore, retiring to the ships, waited on the King, and told him their opinion. The generality advised him to declare that the truce was now ended, and to give orders to plunder, as the army was very short of provisions. King Haco, however, sent one of his courtiers, called Kolbein Rich, to the Scottish Monarch. He carried with him the Articles of pacification which the Scottish King sent to King Haco, and ' Kumr-eyiar (orig.), i.e., the islands of the Cum- brians, two small islands to the west of Scotland. - At Kilbirnie.— E. G. 42 Norwegian Expedition was commanded to bring back the proposals which King Haco had sent to the King of Scotland. He was besides to propose that the Sovereigns should meet with all their forces and treat about a peace. If that, by the grace of God, took place, it was very well ; but if it should turn out otherwise, then Haco proposed to the King of vScotland to fight, with their whole armies, and let him conquer whom God pleased. The Scottish Monarch seemed not unwilling to fight, but he gave no explanation. Kolbein, therefore, returned back to his Sovereign, who appeared but little satisfied with his message ; as is mentioned in the Raven's-ode. XII. The eastern hero great in command, and ennobled by victory, repeatedly offered the decisive conflict of javelins to the enemy. The strangers, distrustful of their strength, risked not the combat against our magnanimous Prince, wielder of the gleaming blade. The truce was now declared to be totally ended. The king accordingly sent sixty ships in to AtiAixsT Scotland. 43 Loch-Long." They were commanded by Magnus, King of Man, King Dugal,^ and Allan, his brother, Angus, Margad, Vigleik Priestson, and Ivar Holm. When they came into the inlet they took their boats, and drew them^ up to a great lake which is called Loch-Lomond. On the far side round the lake was an Earldom called Lennox.'* In the lake there were a great many ' Skipa-fiord in Icelandic, and Loch-Lhong, in Gaelic, signifies the Bay of Ships. ^ Allan and Dougal, his brother, were, I imagine, the sons of Rudri (see the note on page 37). This Allan we may suppose to be the same who, in Rymer's F,«'(ii?/fl, is called " Alanus filius Rotherici," who a.d. 1284 was one of the Barons that engaged to support Margaret of Norway's title to the Crown of Scot- land. Dugal was probably the predecessor of M'Dougal of Dunoly, i.e., Olave's Tower. The place might receive this name from having been the residence of Olave, the youngest son of Somerled, thane of Argyle. 3 To avoid long or dangerous circumnavigations, it was usual for the ancients to draw their light canoes over isthmuses. Among the Greeks such places were termed 8toA.K06, i.e., dragging places, and there was a very remarkable one near Corinth. By the Scotch they were called Tarbats, from the Gaelic tiirn to draw, and tacit a boat. There is a Tarbat between Loch Lomond and Loch Long, and one on Loch Fyne. — E. G. ■^Alwin M'Arkel, as appears from the Chartulary nf Glasgow, was created Earl of Levnach by Maol- Coluim IIII., A. P. II S3. 44 Norwegian Expedition islands well inhabited ;' these islands the Norwegians wasted with fire. They also burned all the buildings about the lake, and made great devastation, as Sturlas relates. XIII. The persevering shielded warriors of the thrower of the whizzing spear'' drew their boats across the broad isthmus. Our fearless troops, the exactors of contribu- tion, with flaming brands wasted the popu- lous islands in the lake, and the mansions around its winding bays. Allan, the brother of King Dugal, marched far over into Scotland, and killed great numbers of the inhabitants. He took many hundred head of cattle, and made vast havoc, as is here described. XIV. Our veterans fierce of soul, feeders of wolves, hastened their wasteful course through the spacious districts of the mountains. Allan, the bravest of mortals, ' No doubt the neighbourmg inhabitants retired to the isles of Loch-Lomond in times of danger. - i.e., Haco. AGAINST Scotland. 45 at the fell interview of battle, often wreaked his fatal vengeance on the expiring foe. Afterwards the Norwegians retired to their fleet, and met with so violent a storm that it dashed in pieces about ten of their ships in Loch- Long.' At this time Ivar Holm was seized with an acute disease, which occasioned his death. King Haco, as was before written, still lay in the Hebrides. Michaelmas fell on a Saturday ; and, on the Monday night after, there came a great tempest with hailstones and rain.^ The watch on the forecastle of the king's ship called out, and said that a transport vessel was driving full against their cable. The sailors immediately sprung upon deck; but the rigging of the trans- sport getting entangled in the king's ship, carried away its beak. The transport then fell aboard in such a manner, that the anchor grappled the cord- age of the king's ship, which then began to drag its anchors. The king, therefore, ordered the cable of the transport to be cut, which was accord- ingly done. It then drove out to sea, but the king's ship remained stedfast, and continued un- ' October ist and 2nd, 1263. — E. G. - The same storm which had destroyed the ten ships on Loch Lomond. — E. G. 46 Norwegian Exi'kuition covered' till daylight. On the morning, the transport floated with the tide, and, together with a galley, was cast ashore on Scotland. The wind gradually increasing, the crew of the king's ship got more cables, and dropt a fifth anchor. The king himself then took to his long-boat, and rowing out to the islands, ordered mass to be sung.^ The fleet in the meantime was forced up the channel ; and the tempest that day was so furious that some vessels cut away their masts, others ran aground. The king's ship also drove into the Sound, tho' seven anchors, including that taken from the transport, had been used. They then let go an eighth, which was the sheet anchor ; the ship still drove, but the anchors at length took fast hold. Five vessels were cast ashore. So great was this storm that people said it was raised by the power of magic, and the quantity of rain was prodigious, as is thus described : — XV. Now our deep-enquiring sovereign en- countered the horrid powers of enchant- ment, and the abominations of an impious ' i.e., without an awning.- — ^Johnstone. Munsch gives it as " without yards," those of the king's ship having been carried away by the transport. — E. G. * As no human power could assist them. — E. G. AGAINST Scotland. 47 race. The troubled flood tore many fair gallies from their moorings, and swept them anchorless before its waves. XVI. A magic-raised watery tempest blew upon our warriors, ambitious of conquest, and against the floating habitations » of the brave. The roaring billows and stormy blast threw shielded companies of our adventurous nation on the Scottish strand. When the Scotch saw that the vessels had run aground, they assembled together, and advancing against the Norwegians, attacked them with mis- sile weapons.- They, however, defended them- selves gallantly under cover of their ships ; the Scotch made several attempts, at different times, l)ut killed few, tho' many were wounded. King Haco, as the wind was now somewhat abated, sent in some boats with a reinforcement, as is here mentioned : — XVII. The victorious breaker of gleaming ' i.e., ships. ^ The Scotch army was encamped at Camphill, between Kilbirnie and Largs. — E. G. 48 XoRWEciAX Expedition weapons, attentive of soul, then sent his bands to the hard-fought field, where breast-plates rang. Our troops, by the slaughter of the suspicious foe, established their monarch's fame, villified by the dwellers of the vallies. ' Afterwards the sovereign himself, attended by Thorlaug Bosi, set sail in a barge belonging to the Masters of the Lights.^ As soon as the king's men approached the land the Scotch retired ; and the Norwegians continued ashore all night. The Scotch, however, during the darkness, entered the transport,^ and carried off as much of the lading as they could. On the morning, the king with a numerous reinforcement came on shore ; and he ordered the transport to be lightened, and towed out to the ships. In a little time, they descried the Scottish army, and it was so numerous that they supposed the King of Scotland was present.'* Ogmund Krseki- ' i.e., the Scotch. ^ Kerti-sveina (orig.), i.e.. Inspectors of the Lights, who were to see that the Norwegian palace was pro- perly illuminated. The office corresponded exactly to the Canhowllyd of the Welsh Princes. 3 In the Fl. MS. the Norwegians are said to have entered the transport. •» This does not seem to have been the case j the army being commanded by Alexander of Dundonald, AGAINST Scotland. 49 dams with his company was stationed on a hill. The Scottish van skirmished with his men ; and, their main body coming on, the Norwegians en- treated the king, as they were anxious for his safety, to row to his fleet and to send them help. The king insisted on remaining on shore ; but they would not assent to his continuing any longer so exposed ; he, therefore, sailed out in a barge to his ships at the Cumbras. The following barons remained on land : — Lord Andrew Nicolson, Og- mund Krsekidantz, Erling Alfson, Andrew Pott, Ronald Urka, Thorlaug Bosi, Paul Soor. The whole number of soldiers with them was eight or nine hundred. Two hundred men were upon the rising ground with Ogmund ; but the rest of the troops were posted down upon the beach. The Scottish army now advanced, and it was conjectured to consist of near fifteen hundred knights.' All their horses had breast-plates ; and there were many Spanish steeds in complete armour. The Scottish king had, besides, a nume- rous army of foot soldiers, well accoutred. They generally had bows and spears. The Norwegians on the hill, apprehensive of Steward of Scotland, grandfather to the "Walter Stewart or Stuart, who married a daughter of Robert Bruce, and founded the royal house of Stuart.— E. G. ' Fl. MS., five hundred. This is the most correct estimate. Munsch puts the Scotch cavalry down at 600. — E. G. 50 NORWECIIAN EXI-EDITION being surrounded, began lu retire in scattered parties towards the sea. Andrew Nicolson, ob- serving this, came up to the rising ground, and desired Ogmund to draw off his men towards the beach, but not to retreat so precipitately as if he fled. The Scotch at this time attacked them furiously with darts and stones. Showers of weapons were poured upon the Norwegians, who defended themselves, and retired in good order. But when they approached the sea, each one hurrying faster than another, those on the beach imagined they were routed. Some therefore leaped into their boats, and pushed off from the land, others jumped into the transport. Their companions called upon them to return, and some returned, tho' few. Andrew Pott leaped over two boats, and into a third, and so escaped from land. Many boats went down, and some men were lost, and the rest of the Norwegians at last wheeled about towards the sea. Here Haco of Steini, one of King Haco's house- hold, fell. The Norwegians were then driven south from the transport, and were headed by Andrew Nicolson, Ogmund Krsekidants, Thorlaug Bosi, and Paul Soor. There soon began a severe contest, tho' very unequal, as ten Scots fought against each Norwegian. Among the Scotch there was a young knight called Ferash,' equally ' Ferus or Pherus (orig.), probably Fergus. — John- AGAINST SCOTI.ANU. 5 1 distinguished for his birth and fortune. He wore a hehnet plaited with gold, and set with precious stones, and the rest of his armour was of a piece with it. He rode gallantly up to the Norwegians, but no other ventured. He galloped frequently along the Norwegian line, and then back to his own followers. Andrew Nicolson had now reached the Scottish van. He encountered this illustrious knight, and struck at his thigh with such force that he cut it off,' through the armour, with his sword, which penetrated to the saddle. The Norwegians stript him of his beautiful belt.- The hardest STONE. Munsch gives his name as Peter of Curry. — E. G. ' A quotation from Giraldus's account of the Irish will both illustrate this passage and the antient method of fighting. " Utuntur — securibus quoque amplis, fabrili diligentia optime chalybatis, quas a Norwegien- sibus et Oustmannis sunt mutuati. Una tantum manu, et non ambabus, securi percutiunt, pollice desuper manubrium in longum extenso ictu regente, a quo nee galea, caput, in conum erecta, nee reliquum corpus ferrea loricae tricatura tuetur. Unde et in nostris contigit temporibus totam militis coxam ferro utcunque fideliter vestitam, uno securis ictu prascisam fuisse, ex una equi parte coxa cum tibia, ex altera vero, corpore cadente moribundo. Lapides quoque pugillares, cum alia arma defecerint, hostibus in con- flictu damnosissimos, prae alia gente promptius, et expeditius ad manum habent." - Knights at their creation were invested with belts ornamented with gems. See Malmsb., book 2, chap. 6. 52 NoR\vEt;iAN Expedition conflict then commenced. Many fell oi. both sides, but more of the Scotch, as Sturlas sings. XVIII. A\'here cuirasses rung, our generous youths, formed in a circle, prostrated the illustrious givers of bracelets. The birds of prey were gluttonously filled with life- less limbs. What great chieftain shall avenge the fate of the renowned wearer of the Belt ? During the battle there was so great a tempest that King Haco saw no possibility of bringing the army ashore. Ronald, and Eilif of Naustadale, however, with some men, rowed to land, and greatly distinquished themselves ; as did those troops who had before gone out in their boats. Ronald, in the end, was repulsed to his ships ; but Eilif behaved most heroically. The Norwegians now began to form themselves anew ; and the Scotch took possession of the rising ground. There were continued skirmishes with stones and missile weapons ; but towards evening the Norwegians made a desperate charge against the Scotch on the hill, as is here recorded. AGAINST Scotland. 53 XIX. The champions of Nordmaera's' Lord saluted the stout, harnassed Barons, with the rough music of battle. The train of the supporter of thrones, courageous, and clad in steel, marched to the din of clash- ing swords. XX. At the conflict of corselets on the blood- red hill, the damasked blade hewed the mail of hostile tribes, ere the Scot, nimble as the hound, would leave the field to the followers of our all-conquering king. The Scotch then left the eminence, and fled where they could, away to their mountains. The Norwegians perceiving this, retired to their boats, and rowing out to their ships, luckily escaped the storm. On the morning they came back in search of the bodies of those who had dropt. Among the dead were Haco of Steini,* and Thorgisl Gloppa, both belonging to King Haco's household. There fell also a worthy vassal ' A district of Norway. - He was chaplain to King Haco. — E. G. 54 \oK\vEc;iAN Expedition called Karlhoved, from Drontheim, and another vassal named Halkel, from Fiorde. Besides, there died three Masters of the Lights, Thorstein Bat, John Ballhoved, and Halward Buniard. It was impossible for the Norwegians to tell how many were killed of the Scotch, because those who dropt were taken up and removed to the woods. I'iing Haco ordered his dead to be carried to a church. Five days after, King Haco commanded his men to weigh anchor and to bring his ship close under the Cumbras. He was soon joined by the squadron which had been in Loch-long. On the fast day following, the weather was good, and the king sent some retainers ashore to burn the vessels which had been stranded ; that same day the king sailed past Cumbra to Melansey,' where he lay some nights. Here he was met by the Commissioners he had sent to Ireland, who assured him that the Irish Ostmen would willingly engage to maintain his army till he freed them from the dominion of the English. Iving Haco was extremely desirous of sailing for Ireland, and, as the wind was not favourable, he held a Council on the subject, but the whole army was against this plan. He, there- fore, told ihem that as he was short of provisions ' Melanzeiar (orig.) Fl. MS. Melas eyiar, perhaps the island of Lamlash or Ailsa. AGAINST Scotland. 55 he would steer for the Hebrides. The king then ordered the body of Ivar Holm to be carried to Bute, where it was interred. Afterwards King Haco sailed past Melansey, and lay some nights near Arran, then proceeded to Sandey, and so to the Mull of Kintire, and at night he arrived north at Gudey ; next he sailed out to Ila Sound, where he remained two nights. King Haco laid a contribution, rated at three hundred head of cattle, on the island, but part was to be paid in meal, part in cheese. Haco set sail again on the first Sunday of winter, and met a fog and a storm so violent that few of the ships could carry their sails. The king, therefore, made for Kiararey, and about this time messengers passed between him and King John, but to little purpose. Here the king was informed that his troops had made depredations in Mull, and that some of the Mull men, with two or three Norwe- gians, had been killed. King Haco next sailed in to the Calf of Mull,' where he stayed some nights. There King Dugal and Allan, his brother, took leave of the king, who gave them those estates which King John formerly possessed — Magnus, King of Man, and other Hebridians had returned home before. He ' Mylar-Kalf (orig.;. Among the Norwegians a small island adjoining to a greater "a? called its calf, as the Calf of MuU, the Calf of Man, Sec. 56 NoRWEciAN Expedition gave Bute to Rudri, and Arran to Margad. To King Dugal he gave the castle in Kintire which Guthorm Backa-Kolf had besieged and taken dur- ing the summer. In this expedition King Haco regained all those provinces which King Magnus Barefoot had acquired and conquered from the Scotch and Hebridians, as is here narrated.' XXI. The Lord of Egda- soon recovered all those territories on the Continent which had been subjected by the Scottish tribes. In the western regions none durst contend with the offspring of Ingui.^ His army, like a gathering tempest, indicated desola- tion to the dominions of his imperious adversary'. King Ilaco, leaving the Calf of Mull, sailed to Rauney."* Here he overtook Balti, a vassal of Shetland, with those who had been sent to the ' A Scotch Record, the Melrose Chronicle, states that King Haco said it was the hand of God, and not the Scotch, that compelled him to retire. He alluded to the storm that had so damaged his ships.— E. G. = A subdivision of Norway. ^ Yngua (orig.), one of Haco's predecessors. •• Raasa.— £. G. AGAINST Scotland. 57 Orkneys, and to whom a permission had been given of returning to Norway. King Haco from Rauney steered northwards. The wind being un- favourable, he made for Westerford, in Sky, and ordered the islanders to supply him with provisions. Next he sailed past Cape Wrath,' and arriving at Dyrness, there happened a calm, for which reason the king ordered the fleet to be steered into Gia- ford.- This was done on the feast of the two apostles, Simon and Jude,^ which fell on a Sun- day. The king spent the night there. On this festival, after mass had been sung, some Scots, whom the Norwegians had taken prisoners, were presented to the king. The king detained one as a hostage, and sent the others up the country, at liberty, on giving a promise that they would re- turn with cattle. On the same day it happened that nine men belonging to Andrew Biusa's ship went ashore to procure water, and an outcry was soon heard from the mainland. The crew, there- fore, immediately setting off from their ships, found two men swimming, though badly wounded, and took them on board ; the other seven, un- armed, and incapable of making any defence, remained by their boat (which was left aground by the tide), and were killed by the Scotch. The ' Hvarf (orig.), signifies an intervening ridge that intercepts the prospect — FaroheaH. ^ Giafiord (orig.). Fl. MS., Goa- fiord. Probably Loch EriboL— E. G. 3 October 28. 5 J Norwegian ExpEDnioN Norwegians landing, carried away their dead ; and the Scotch, in the meantime, fled to a wood. On the Monday, King Haco sailed from Giaford after having liberated the vScottish hostage, and sent him ashore. The king in the evening reached the Orkneys, and anchored in a certain Sound, to the north of Asmundsvo,' from whence he, with the greatest part of his fleet, steered for Ronaldsvo. In passing over Pentland Firth, a terrible whirlpool appeared, and in which a ship from Rygia-fylke, with all on board, perished. John of Hestby was driven through the straits, and was very near being swallowed up in the gulf; but, by the mercy of God, his ship was forced east to the ocean, and he made for Norway. While King Haco remained in the Orkneys the most part of his troops sailed to Norway ; some went with the King's permission, but others took leave for themselves. King Ilaco, on his arrival at the islands, had at first given out that he would return immediately to Norway ; but, as it was a long time before the wind favoured him, he deter- mined to winter in the Orkneys. He, therefore, named twenty ships that were to remain with him, and dismissed the rest. All the vassals stayed with him, except Eilif of Naustadale ; he sailed home. Most of the gentry, however, continued with their Sovereign The king then despatched letters to Norway, concerning the necessaries he ' Asmundar-vogi (orig.), i.e., Asmund's Bay. AOAINST SlDI I.ANlJ, 59 should want. After All Saints L»ay, the King steered for Medalland ' harbour ; but spent one day at Ronaldsha. On the Saturday before Martimmas, King Haco rode to the port of Medalland, and after mass he was taken very ill. He was aboard his ship during the night ; but, on the morning, he ordered mass to be sung on shore. lie afterwards held a council to deliberate where the vessels should lie laid up ; and ordered his men to be attentive, and see after their respective ships. Upon this each captain took the charge of his own galley. Some were laid up in the harbour of Medalland, and others at Skalpeid.- Next King Haco proceeded to Skalpeid, and then rode to Kirkwall. He, with such officers as dined at his table, lodged in the Bishop's palace. Here the King and the Bishop kept separate tables in the hall, each for his own retinue ; but the King dined in the upper story. He ordered certain districts to furnish his nobility and house- hold with provisions. Andrew Plytt had the inspection of the king's table, and delivered out to the courtiers, retainers, masters of the lights, and other attendants, their usual allowance. After the proper arrangements were taken concerning the disposal of the fleet, the different captains went whither their ships were laid up. The ' Probably some harbour of Mainland, one of the Orkneys. ' A cape of Pomona — Scapa. — E. G' 6o Norwegian ExvEuiiiON liarons who remained at Kirkwall were BrinioU Johnston, Erling Alfson, Ronald Urka, Erling of Birkey, John Drotning, and Erlend Red. The other barons repaired to their proper districts. King Haco had spent the summer in much watchfulness and anxiety. Being often called to deliberate with his captains, he had enjoyed little rest, and when he arrived at Kirkwall, he was confined to his bed by his disorder. Having lain for some nights, the illness abated, and he was on foot for three days. On the first day he walked about in his apartments ; on the second, he at- tended at the bishop's chapel to hear mass ; and on the third, he went to Magnus's Church, and walked round the shrine of St. Magnus, Earl of Orkney. He then ordered a bath to be prepared, and got himself shaved. Some nights after he re- lapsed, and took again to his bed. During his sickness, he ordered the Bible and Latin authors to be read to him. But finding his spirits were too much fatigued by reflecting on what he had heard, he desired Norwegian books might be read to him night and day; first the lives of saints, and, when they were ended, he made his attendants read the Chronicles of our Kings from Haldan the Black, and so of all the Norwegian monarchs in succession, one after the other. The king still found his disorder increasing. He, therefore, took into consideration the pay to be given to his troops, and commanded that a mark of fine silver AGAINST Scotland. 6i should be given to each courtier, and half u mark to each of the masters of the lights, chamberlains, and other attendants on his person. He order td all the ungilt plate belonging to his table to be weighed, and to be distributed if his plain silver fell short. At this time also letters were wrote to Prince Magnus concerning the government of the nation, and some things which the king wanted to have settled respecting the army. King Haco re- ceived extreme unction on the night before the festival of St. Lucia.' Thorgisl, Bishop of Stav- anger, Gilbert, Bishop of tlamar, Henry, Bishop of Orkney, Abbot Thorleif, and many other learned men were present ; and, before the unction, all present bade the king farewell with a kiss. He still spoke distinctly, and his particular favourites asked him if he left behind him any other son than Prince Magnus, or any other heirs that should share in the kingdom, but he uniformly persisted that he had no other heirs in the male or female line than what were publicly known. When the histories of all the kings down to Suerer had been recited, he ordered the life of that prince to be read, and to be continued night and day, whenever he found himself indisposed to sleep. The Festival of the Virgin St. Lucia happened on a Thursday, and on the Saturday after, the ' December 13. — Johnstone. St. Luke, according to Tennent (Dec. 12th). — E. G. 62 \oK\vi;c;iAN Expedition King's disorder increased to such a degree that he lost the use of his speech ; and at midnight Ahnighty Clod called King Haco out of this mortal life. This was matter of great grief to ail those who attended; and to most of those who heard of the event. The following Barons were present at the death of the king, Briniolf John- son, Erling Alfson, John Urottning, Ronald Urka, and some domestics who had been near the king's person during his illness. Immediately on the decease of the king, bishops and learneil men were sent for to sing mass. Afterwards all the company went out except Bishop Thorgisl, Briniolf Johnson, and two other persons, who watched by the body, and performed all the services due to so illustrious a lord and prince as King Haco had been. On Sunday the royal corpse was carried to the upper hall, and laid on a bier. The body was clothed in a rich garb, with a garland on the head, and dressed out as became a crowned monarch. The Masters of the Lights stood with tapers in their hands, and the whole hall was illuminated. All the people came to see the body, which appeared beautiful and animated, and the king's countenance was as fair and ruddy as while he was alive. It was some alleviation of the deep sorrow of the beholders to see the corpse of their departed Sovereign so decorated. High Mass was then sung for the deceased. The nobility kept watch by the body during the night. AGAINST SCOTLA.NU. 63 On Monday the remains of King Haco were carried to St. Magnus' Church, where they lay in state that night. On Tuesday the royal corpse was put into a coffin, and buried in the choir of St. Magnus's Church, near the steps leading to the Shrine of St. Magnus, Earl of Orkney. The tomb was then closed, and a canopy was spread over it. It was also determined that watch should be kept over the king's grave all winter. At Christmas the bishop and Andrew Plytt furnished entertainments, as the king had directed, and good presents were given to all the soldiers. King Haco had given orders that his remains should be carried east to Norway, and buried near his father and relations. Towards the end of winter, therefore, that great vessel which he had had in the west was launched, and soon got ready. On Ash Wednesday the corpse of King Haco was taken out of the ground ; this happened on the third of the nones of March. The courtiers fol- lowed the corpse to Skalpeid, where the ship lay, and which was chiefly under the direction of Bishop Thorgisl and Andrew Plytt. They put to sea on the first Saturday in Lent ; but meeting with hard weather, they steered for .Silavog. From this place they wrote letters to Prince Magnus acquainting him with the news, and then set sail for Bergen. They arrived at Laxavog' before the festival of St. Benedict.' On that day ' i.e., Salmon Bay. = March 21. 64 Exi'EDITION ACJAIXST SCOTI.ANIJ, i'rince Magnus rowed out to meet the corpse The ship was brought near to the king's palace, and the body was carried up to a summer-house. Next morning the corpse was removed to Christ Church, and was attended by Prince Magnus, the two queens, the courtiers, and the town's people. The body was then interred in the choir of Christ Church ; and Prince Magnus addressed a long and gracious speech to those who attended the funeral procession. All the multitude present expressed great sorrow of mind, as Sturlas says : — XXII. Three nights did the brave warriors, the flower of chivalry, continue at Bergen, ere they entombed their wise and glorious prince. The breakers of tempered metals stood crowding around the grave of the ruler of the nation, while in their swim- ming eyes appeared no look of joy. Then commenced those bloody feuds which till our days have reigned. King Haco was buried three nights before the festival of the annunciation of the Virgin Mary ; and after the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ one thousand two hundred and sixty-three years. ■yf-r^' UNIVEK r OF CAM' It' 11 tv PT 7279 H3E5J 3 1158 01262 AA 000 951 862