The Battle Of Maldon

Then he ordered each of his warriors his horse to loose

Then did brithnoth begin his men to bestow -

He rode up and counselled them - his soldiers he taught

Then stood forth on the strand and sternly spake

The messenger from the sea men, delivered his tidings;

Brithnoth made answer - his buckler he grasped,

Brandished his slender spear - and spoke.

Bade he then to bear the shields, the warriors to go,

So that they on the river's bank all stood.

So stood firm the stout-hearted

Warriors in the war - they did keenly strive

Who with his point first should be able

From fey men to win life.

Warriors with weapons; they stood steadfast;

Brithnoth stirred them!

Thou messenger of the seamen, back with thy message.

There stands here a good earl in the midst of his men,

Who will this country ever defend,

The kingdom of aethelred, mine overlord,

The folk and the ground - but they shall fall,

Nor shall ye so softly carry off our riches.

Sooner shall point and edge reconcile us,

Grim warplay indeed - before we give tribute.