Stories of the Norsemen (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1852 Excerpt: ... been sole king of Norway, and many successful forays had he made in Denmark, and much plunder had he carried home from thence; but he was as far as ever from wearing its crown, as the Danes, who were a brave and united people, did not choose to have a foreigner to reign over them. So, at last, he was induced to listen to proposals of peace between the two nations; and it was agreed that a meeting should take place between the kings at the Gotha river, which formed the boundary between their kingdoms;--for at that time the southern part of Sweden formed part of the Danish dominions. The people were weary of war, and rejoiced much at the prospect of peace. So Harald and Sweyn agreed together that each of them should keep his own kingdom according to the old established boundaries, and that this peace should endure as long as they were kings. This peace was confirmed by an oath; and having given each other hostages, the two kings returned home, Harald to Norway, and Sweyn to Denmark. "The people in these two kingdoms must have felt very glad to enjoy a little quietness; and perhaps they flattered themselves with the hope that it might last a long time; but before two years of tranquillity had passed over, an occasion of war arose from a quarter whence it was least expected. "Harald Hardrade had, on his accession to the throne of Norway, sent ambassadors to the king of England, who received his offers of friendship with great cordiality; and ever since then the two nations had been at peace: but about the time of which I now speak, King Edward the Confessor having died, Harald the son of Godwin was elected as his successor; and one of his brothers, named Tostig, being a proud and turbulent man, was discontented with the share of power given to him by his brothe...