Presently,
if he likes to give me a ship when we sail to England, that will suit me."
So Havelok made him his standard bearer; and as that would keep him at
the king's side in the thickest fight, he was well pleased. Goldberga
wrought the standard that he bore, with the help of Sigurd's wife, and
on it was the figure of Grim, sword and shield in hand, but with his
helm at his feet, as showing that he had laid it by; and on either side
of him stood Havelok and his wife, each with a crown above their heads,
as though they waited for the coming time when they should be set there
firmly by the bearing forward of this banner. Havelok bore his axe,
holding out the ring to Goldberga with the other hand, while she had her
sceptre in the left, and stretched the right hand to her husband. There
were runes that told the names of these three, for that is needful in
such work, as it passes the skill of woman to make a good likeness, nor
do I think it would be lucky to do so if it could be compassed. Wondrous
was the banner with gold and bright colours, and it was hung from a
gilded spear, ashen hafted, and long, that it might be seen afar in battle.
Now on the day when Havelok set his men in order for the march on Hodulf
word came that he was coming at last. It is likely that he knew we were
on the point of marching, and would choose his own ground on which to
wait for us.
Pages:
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319