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WEARINESS OF WAR, translated by Poul Anderson

In 1064 A.D., King Harald Hardrede of Norway and King Svein Ulfsson of Denmark met to see if their long struggle for the Danish crown could be settled. Both brought great armies. None knew if the truce would end in peace being made, or in a battle which would resume the destructive war. It was the former which happened. Harald abdicated his claims—perhaps, in part, because of this verse, whose composer is unknown but which was heard in both camps.

Many folk their mouth use at meeting, in each army;

Haughtiness breeds hatred in hosts of Dane and Norseman.

None will wish to nod his neck unto another;

And the kings are angry, egging on the trouble.

Warlike royal wills give warning of ill tidings;

Men who’d act as makepeace measure into scalepans.

Fearlessly and freely folks should say their wishes:

Evil is this hour if enemies go homeward.

—From the Original Norse