Erik, when he learnt of his purpose, called his men together, and told them that his fortune had not yet got off from the reefs.

Also he said that he saw, that as a bundle that was not tied by a band fell to pieces, so likewise the heaviest punishment that was not constrained on a man by his own fault suddenly collapsed.

They had experienced this of late with Frode; for they saw how at the hardest pass their innocence had been protected by the help of the gods; and if they continued to preserve it they should hope for like aid in their adversity.

Next, they must pretend flight for a little while, if they were attacked by Gotar, for so they would have a juster plea for fighting.

For they had every right to thrust out the hand in order to shield the head from peril.