Part 9 - Ottar Birting's Speech

Then Ottar Birting stood up in the Thing, and first of all answered thus:

"This is King Sigurd's reply to his brother King Inge — that God will reward him for his good salutation, and likewise for the trouble and burden which he and his friends have in this kingdom, and in matters of necessity which effect them both.

Although now some think there is something sharp in King Inge's message to his brother Sigurd, yet he has in many respects sufficient cause for it.

Now I will make known to you my opinion, and we will hear if King Sigurd and the other people of power will agree to it; and it is, that thou, King Sigurd, make thyself ready, with all the people who will follow thee, to defend thy country; and go as strong in men as possible to thy brother King Inge as soon as thou art prepared, in order to assist each other in all things that are for the common good; and may God Almighty strengthen and assist you both!

Now, king, we will have thy words."

Peter, a son of Saudaulf, who was afterwards called Peter Byrdarsvein, bore King Sigurd to the Thing.

Then the king said,

"Ye must know that, if I am to advise, I will go as soon as possible to my brother King Inge."

Then others spoke, one after the other; but although each began his speech in his own way, he ended with agreeing to what Ottar Birting had proposed; and it was determined to call together the war-forces, and go to the east part of the country. King Sigurd accordingly went with great armament east to Viken, and there he met his brother King Inge.