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LITERALLY TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL ISLANDIC OF THE FLATEYAN AND FRISIAN MSS.
REV. JAMES JOHNSTONE, A.M. CHAPLAIN TO HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S ENVOY EXTRAORDINARY AT THE COURT OF DENMARK.
_Originally Printed for the Author in_ 1782.
EDINBURGH WILLIAM BROWN, 149 PRINCES STREET. 1882
THIS FRAGMENT OF ANCIENT SCOTTISH HISTORY, CONTAINING SEVERAL ANECDOTES OF HIS
Exactly one hundred years ago this Translation of the Norwegian Account of Haco's Invasion of Scotland first issued from the press.
Since then, amid much literature upon the subject, it has always held a most important place in the eyes of the student of early Scottish History.
As an authentic source of information it has been eagerly sought after, but it has an additional attraction in the graphic pictures which it presents of the various perils by land and sea encountered by the hardy Norsemen.
The translator's valuable notes are given _in extenso_, and for easier reference are transferred from the end of the work and printed on the pages to which they belong.
The editor, from some particular advantages he enjoyed, was encouraged to collect such inedited fragments as might elucidate antient history. He, lately, published "Anecdotes of Olave the Black, king of Man;" and now lays before the learned the Norwegian account of Haco's celebrated expedition against Scotland.
It was the editor's intention to have given a succinct detail of the descents made by the northern nations upon the British isles, but an increase of materials induced him to reserve that subject for a future work. At present, therefore, he thinks it sufficient to premise that the Æbudæ were, long, the cause of much dispute between various kingdoms. They seemed naturally connected with Scotland; but the superior navies of Lochlin rendered them liable to impressions from that quarter.
The situation of the Kings of the Isles was peculiarly delicate; for, though their territories were extensive, yet they were by no means a match for the neighbouring states. On this account, allegiance was extorted from them by different Sovereigns. The Hebridian Princes considered this involuntary homage, as, at least, implying protection: and, when that was not afforded, they thought themselves justified in forming new connexions more conducive to their safety.