Rather than yield, cried the King, should each man fall one on the top of the other.
Their arms then took the men.’
¶ Then let King Harald his ships be cleared for action, and brought his great dragon forward into the very midst of the host. Thus saith Thiodolf:
‘The giver of kindly gifts
Who oft to the wolf gave food,
His dragon-ship put forward
Midmost in the war-host.’
¶ This ship was well fitted out, and had a large crew. ¤ And again saith Thiodolf:
‘The peace wishing King his ranks bade
Bind fast the war-shields on the ships’ sides;