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.