[283]. Evidently the purpose would be to crush the engine with the beam, to set it on fire with the hot plowshares, and to put the assailants to flight with the pitch, sulphur, or tar; these would also feed the flames.
[284]. On the subject of mines see Oman, Art of War, 549-550.
[285]. The posts were apparently placed on top of the wall, the purpose being to raise the wall to a greater height as well as to furnish shelter for the defenders.
[286]. The shield-giant was probably a mythical device; but it is possible as has been suggested that its fiery breath may refer to the use of Greek fire, with which the Norwegians became acquainted during the crusades, or even to early experiments with gunpowder. Falk, Altnordische Waffenkunde, 200-201. It is not known when gunpowder was invented, but the earliest known formula for making it is found in the writings of Roger Bacon, who was a contemporary of the author of the King’s Mirror.
[287]. Genesis, cc. xxxix-xli. The author treats the Biblical narratives with great freedom.
[288]. Isaiah, xlv, 1. In this case the author quotes directly from the Vulgate: “Christo meo Sciro, cujus apprehendi dexteram, ut subjiciam ante faciem ejus gentes et dorsa regum vertam.”
[289]. See Esther, cc. i-viii.
[290]. The author’s source for his account of the council where Craton and Zenophilus served as judges is the legend of Pope Silvester, probably the Old Norse version of the legend, Silvesters Saga, published by Unger in Heilagra Manna Sögur, II, 245-286.
[291]. Not India but Persia in the Biblical story; but the Northmen in the middle ages used the term India very much as we use the term Orient to-day.
[292]. The reference is evidently to Psalms, cxv, 16: “The heavens, even the heavens, are the Lord’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men” (King James’ version). The Vulgate reads (cxiii, 16), “Caelum caeli Domino; terram autem dedit filiis hominum.” In neither case is the idea of an earthly kingship implied. It is evident that the author is quoting and translating from memory.