Kolbein.—No one has caused more feuds among us Icelanders than has King Hakon. All feuds arose through his devices.
Botolf.—Raise the banner of King Hakon in this land, Kolbein!
Kolbein.—Who would bear the banner for that coward? No, but should the king come hither you will see me take up a banner; but it will not be that of King Hakon!
Botolf.—In order to bring the land under the king's dominion you would need but to ride to the king with twelve hundred men and let all the assembly swear an oath of allegiance to the king. Both bishops would stand back of you in that undertaking.
Kolbein.—Norwegians both!
Botolf.—The archbishop has written me that the king would raise you to the highest rank among Icelanders if you did that.
Kolbein.—What I am already I need not become by the grace of Hakon.
Botolf.—He would give you an earl's rank and set you over all Iceland.
Kolbein.—They gave Snorri Sturluson an earl's name, and the king became the contriver of his death.
Botolf.—The archbishop writes that the king would make you highest commander among his forces, if you should prefer that.