learly then called over the cold water
Byrhthelm's son; the soldiers listened:
"Room is now made for you; rush quickly here
Forward to the fray; fate will decide
95 Into whose power shall pass this place of battle."
Went then the battle-wolves-- of water they recked not--
The pirate warriors west over Panta;
Over the bright waves they bore their shields;
The seamen stepped to the strand with their lindens.
100 In ready array against the raging hosts
Stood Byrhtnoth's band; he bade them with shields
To form a phalanx, and to defend themselves stoutly,
Fast holding the foe. The fight was near,
The triumph at conflict; the time had come
105 When fated men should fall in battle.
Then arose an alarm; the ravens soared,
The eagle eager for prey; on earth was commotion.
Then sped from their hands the hardened spears,
Flew in fury file-sharpened darts;
110 Bows were busy, boards met javelins,
Cruel was the conflict; in companies they fell;
On every hand lay heaps of youths.
Wulfmere was woefully wounded to death,
Slaughtered the sister's son of Byrhtnoth;
115 With swords he was strongly stricken to earth.
To the vikings quickly requital was given;
I learned that Edward alone attacked
Stoutly with his sword, not stinting his blows,
So that fell at his feet many fated invaders;
120 For his prowess the prince gave praise and thanks
To his chamberlain brave, when chance would permit.
So firm of purpose they fought in their turn,
Young men in battle; they yearned especially
To lead their line with the least delay
125 To fight their foes in fatal conflict,
Warriors with weapons. The world seethed with slaughter.
Steadfast they stood, stirred up by Byrhtnoth;
He bade his thanes to think on battle,
And fight for fame with the foemen Danes.
130 The fierce warrior went, his weapon he raised,
His shield for a shelter; to the soldier he came;
The chief to the churl a challenge addressed;
Each to the other had evil intent.
The seamen then sent from the south a spear,
135 So that wounded lay the lord of the warriors;