A number of long straight poles lay alongside ready to be fashioned into oars; and Edmund thought that in another two or three days the galleys would be ready for launching.

They were long and low in the waist, and were evidently built for great speed.

Edmund did not think that they were intended to sail, except perhaps occasionally when the wind was favourable, as an aid to the rowers.

Each would carry a hundred and fifty men, and there were thirty seats, so that sixty would row at once.
"They are fine galleys," the Dane whispered.

"Sweyn has a good eye for a boat." "Yes," Edmund said, "they look as if they will be very fast.