The Heimskringla on Berse Torfason
Heimskringla > The Chronicle Of The Kings Of Norway > 48. Earl Svein'S Flight.
attestation: The skald Berse Torfason was on the forecastle of the earl's escaping ship; King Olaf called 'Farewell' to him, and Berse replied in kind.
"The skald Berse Torfason was on the forecastle of the earl's ship; and as it was gliding past the king's fleet, King Olaf called out to him--for he knew Berse, who was distinguished as a remarkably handsome man"
attestation: Berse was later captured by Olaf and held in chains on a ship, but composed a poem declaring his loyalty to Earl Svein.
"So says Berse himself, in a poem he composed when he fell into King Olaf's power, and was laid in prison and in fetters on board a ship"
attribution: In his poem, Berse scorned submission to Olaf and vowed never to forsake Earl Svein despite imprisonment.
"To him, my early friend, I'm true"