Tostig rode forward and said, 'Behold, Tostig is here!'
Then Harold cried, 'Harold of England offers Tostig peace and one-third of the kingdom of England that he may rule over it; for he would not that brother should fight against brother.'
'Last winter,' answered Tostig, 'my brother had nought for me but words of scorn and high disdain; but now I am glad that he speaks both kindly and fairly. But what will my brother King Harold of England give to King Harold of Norway for his trouble in coming here?'
'Seven feet of English ground,' replied Harold; 'or perhaps a foot over, seeing he is taller than most other men.'
'Go thy way!' shouted the Earl; 'Tostig will not desert his friends and go over to his foes. He and his friends will die on this spot like men, or will win England with their arms.'
Riding back to his army, Tostig was met by King Harold Hardrada.
'Who is that man who spake with thee?' asked the King of Norway.
Tostig replied, 'That is my brother Harold, the son of Godwin, and King of the English.'
'He is but a little man,' said Hardrada; 'but he sits well in his stirrups.'
Then the battle began.