Then answered the
king. `This maid has not spoken or done so much amiss that she
should be punished, but the rather should she be thanked for her
words. She has reminded me,' said he, `of somewhat that it seems
wonderful I did not think of before. And now,' added he, `I make
the solemn vow, and take who made me and rules over all things,
to witness that never shall I clip or comb my hair until I have
subdued all Norway with scatt, and duties, and lordships; or, if
not, have died in the seeking.' Guttorm gave great thanks to the
king for his oath, saying it was "royal work fulfilling royal
rede." The new and strange government that Harold tried to
enforce -- nothing less than the feudal system in a rough guise -
-- which made those who had hitherto been their own men save at
special times, the king's men at all times, and laid freemen
under tax, was withstood as long as might be by the sturdy
Norsemen. It was only by dint of hard fighting that he slowly
won his way, until at Hafrsfirth he finally crushed all effective
opposition.
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