Enn hefsk leyfð, þars lofða
lofkennda frák sendu
at hjalmsǫmum hilmi
hjarls dróttna boð jarli,
at skyldligast skyldi
— skilk, hvat gramr lézk vilja —
endr at ástafundi
Eirekr koma þeira.
Enn hefsk leyfð, þars frák lofkennda lofða sendu boð at hjalmsǫmum hilmi hjarls dróttna, jarli, at Eirekr skyldi skyldligast koma endr at ástafundi þeira; skilk, hvat gramr lézk vilja.
Again praise is beginning, where I have heard that praise-renowned men sent an invitation to the helmet-adorned ruler of the land of lords, to the jarl [Eiríkr], that Eiríkr should most dutifully come again to a friendly meeting with them; I understand what the king [Knútr] declared he wanted.
[1] lofða: lofðar 61(81ra), leyfða Tóm, lofka 54, Bb(106rb)
[1-2] lofkennda lofða (m. acc. pl.) ‘praise-renowned men’: It is possible that this has sg. reference, denoting Knútr. In Hkr 1893-1901, IV, Skj B and NN §581, dróttna ‘lords’, the pl. object of frák in the interpretations offered there, is understood thus (see Note to ll. 1-4, NN §266 and cf. Arn Hryn 19/1II, Arn Hardr 16/6II and Notes). However, given the uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of the English campaign, a literal translation is preferable. ÍF 27 suggests that Knútr and possibly his brother Haraldr are meant (see also A. Campbell 1971, 14).