It is clear that the Northmen have united their forces for a great effort against this city; but having at home successfully defended fortifications, which were not to be named in comparison with those of Paris, against them, I see no reason to doubt that we shall be able to beat them off here." The Danes landed on the opposite bank and formed a vast camp there, and the following morning three of their number in a small boat rowed across the river and said that their king Siegfroi desired to speak with Goslin, archbishop of Paris, who stood in the position of civil governor.

They were told that the archbishop would receive the king in his palace.
An hour later a stately figure in glittering armour was seen to take his place in a long galley, which, rowed by twenty men, quickly shot across the stream.

Siegfroi landed, and, accompanied by four of his leading warriors, entered the gates, which were opened at his approach.
The chief of the Northmen was a warrior of lofty stature.

On his head he wore a helmet of gold, on whose crest was a raven with extended wings wrought in the same metal.

His hair fell loosely on his neck; his face was clean shaved in Danish fashion, save for a long moustache.