There were lofty beakers Oft borne along the benches, also were cups and flagons Full to the hall-sitters borne. The fated partook of them, Brave warriors-with-shields, though the mighty weened not of it, 20 Awful lord of earls. Then was Holofernes, Gold-friend of men, full of wine-joy: He laughed and clamored, shouted and dinned, That children of men from afar might hear How the strong-minded both stormed and yelled, 25 Moody and mead-drunken, often admonished The sitters-on-benches to bear themselves[1] well. Thus did the hateful one during all day His liege-men [loyal] keep plying with wine, Stout-hearted giver of treasure, until they lay in a swoon, 30 He drenched all his nobles [with drink], as if they were slain in death, Deprived[2] of each one of goods. Thus bade the prince of men The sitters-in-hall to serve, until to children of men The darkening night drew nigh. He bade then, filled with hate, The blessed maiden with haste to fetch 35 To his bed of rest, laden with jewels, Adorned with rings. They quickly performed, The attendant thanes, what their lord them bade, Mailed-warriors' prince; like a flash they stepped Into the guest-room, where they Judith 40 Wise-minded found, and quickly then The warriors-with-shields began to lead The glorious maid to the lofty tent Where the mighty himself always[3] rested By night within, to the Saviour hateful, 45 Holofernes. There was an all-golden Beautiful fly-net around the folk-warrior's Bed suspended, so that the hateful Was able to look through, the chief of warriors, Upon each one that therein came 50 Of the sons of heroes, and on him no one Of the race of men, unless the proud some one Of the strong-in-war bade to him nearer Of warriors for counsel to come. They then to him at rest brought Quickly the cunning woman; went then the stout-in-heart 55 The men their lord to tell that the holy woman was Brought to his chamber-tent. The famous then in mind Was glad, the ruler of cities; he thought the beautiful maiden With spot and stain to defile: that Judge of glory would not Allow, the Keeper of honor, but him from that deed restrained 60 The Lord, the Ruler of hosts. Went then the devilish one, The wanton [warrior-prince],[4] with [mickle] band of men, The baleful his bed to seek, where he his life should lose Quickly within one night; he had then his end attained[5] On earth ungentle [end], such as before he wrought for, 65 The mighty prince of men, while in this world he was, While he dwelt under roof of the clouds. Then fell so drunk with wine The mighty [chief] on his bed, as if he knew no rede Within his place of wit; the warriors stepped Out from the chamber with mickle haste, 70 The wine-filled men, who the oath-breaker, Hateful folk-hater, had led to his bed For the very last time. Then was the Saviour's Glorious maiden earnestly mindful How she the terrible most easily might 75 Of life deprive before the lustful, The wanton, awoke. The wreathed-locked took then, The Creator's handmaid, a sharp-edged sword Hardened by war-strokes [?],[6] and drew from its sheath With her right hand; then Keeper of heaven 80 By name she gan name, Saviour of all Dwellers-in-th' world, and this word she spake: "Thee, God of Creation, and Spirit of Comfort, Son of the Almighty, will I [now] pray For thine own mercy to me in my need, 85 Trinity's Glory. To me greatly now then My heart is inflamed, and my mind is sad, Sorely with sorrows oppressed; grant, Lord of Heaven, to me Victory and faith without fear, that I with this sword may be able To hew down this dealer of murder; grant [too] my safety to me, 90 Strong-hearted Leader of men; ne'er in this world had I Of thy mercy more urgent need: avenge now, mighty Lord, Glorious Giver of honor, that I am so angry in mind, So heated within my breast." Her then the highest Judge Quickly with courage inspired, as doth he [ever] each one 95 Of dwellers here [upon earth], who him for help to them seek With rede and righteous belief. Then roomy in mind she became, The holy one's hope was renewed; then took she the heathen man Fast by his own [long] hair, with hands him towards her she drew With marks of contempt, and the baleful one 100 With cunning laid down, the loathsome man, As she the accursed most easily might Wield at her will. Struck then the curly-locked The hostile foe with shining[7] sword, The hateful-minded, that half-way she cut 105 The [evil one's] neck, that he lay in a swoon, Drunken and wounded. Not yet was he dead, Thoroughly lifeless; struck she then earnestly, The maiden brave-minded, a second time The heathen hound, that his head rolled off 110 Forth on the floor: the foul corpse lay Lifeless behind, went the spirit elsewhere Beneath the deep earth, and there was disgraced, In torment bound ever thereafter, Surrounded with serpents, with tortures encompassed, 115 Strongly enchained in the fire of hell After his death. He need never hope, Enveloped with darkness, that thence he may go Out of that worm-hall, but there shall he dwell Ever for ever without end henceforth 120 In that dark home, of hope-joys deprived.

[1] 'Loudly carouse,' Kr. and C.

[2] 'Gorged with,' Kr. and C.

[3] Or, 'after feast.'

[4] 'King,' Gn. and Kr., but guethfreca suits the verse better than cyning, and even that is not metrically sufficient to fill the lacuna.

[5] Lit., 'awaited.'

[6] So Gn.? 'Scouring,' Sw.?, Kr.?, C.

[7] 'Hostile,' Sw.?

XI.

Then had she gained glorious honor, Judith in war, as God to her granted, The Ruler of Heaven, who gave to her victory. The cunning maid then quickly brought 125 The army-leader's head so bloody In that [very] vessel in which her attendant, The fair-faced woman, food for them both, In virtues renowned, thither had brought, And it then so gory to her gave in hand, 130 To the thoughtful-in-mind to bear to their home, Judith to her maid. Went they forth thence, The women both in courage bold, Until they had come, proud in their minds, The women triumphant, out from the army, 135 So that they plainly were able to see Of that beautiful city the walls [fair] shine, Bethulia. Then jewel-decked they Upon the foot-path hastened to go, Until glad-minded they had arrived 140 At the gate of the wall. The warriors sat, The watching men were keeping ward Within that fortress, as before to the folk, Sad in their minds, Judith had bidden, The cunning maiden, when she went on her journey, 145 The stout-hearted woman. Then again was she come, Dear to her people, and then quickly ordered The wise-minded woman some one of the men To come to meet her from out the wide city, And her in haste to admit within 150 Through the gate of the wall, and this word she spake To the victor-folk: "To you can I say A thought-worthy[1] thing, that no longer ye need Mourn in your minds: your Creator is kind, Glory of kings: that is become known 155 Wide through the world, that to you is success Glorious at hand, and honor is granted For [all] those sorrows which long ye suffered." Glad then were they, the dwellers-in-borough, After they heard how the holy one spake 160 O'er the high wall. The host was in joy. To the fortress-gate the people hastened, Men, women together, in troops and heaps, In crowds and throngs, hurried and ran To meet the Lord's maid by thousands and thousands, 165 Both old and young: to each one became Of men in the mead-city his mind rejoiced, After they knew that Judith was come Again to her home, and then in haste With reverence they allowed her to enter. 170 Then bade the clever, with gold adorned, Her servant-maid, thoughtful-in-mind, The army-leader's head to uncover, And it as a proof bloody to show To the city-folk how she speeded in war. 175 Then spake the noble one to all the folk: "Here ye may clearly, victory-blessed warriors, Chiefs of the people, upon the most hateful Heathen hero's head fix your gaze, On Holofernes deprived of life, 180 Who chiefest of men wrought murders for us, Sorest sorrows, and that yet more Would he increase: but God him granted not A longer life, that he with woes Might still afflict us. Of life I deprived him 185 By help of God. Now I every man Of these city-dwellers will [earnestly] pray, Of shield-bearing warriors, that ye yourselves quickly Hasten to fight; when the God of creation, The glorious King, shall send from the east 190 Bright beams of light, bear forth your shields, Boards before breasts and coats-of-mail, Bright helmets [too] among the foes, To fell the folk-leaders with shining swords, The fated chiefs. Your foes are now 195 Condemned to death, and ye glory shall gain, Honor in battle, as to you hath betokened The mighty Lord through mine own hand." Then the band of the brave was quickly prepared, Of the bold for battle; stepped out the valiant 200 Men and comrades, bore their banners, Went forth to fight straight on their way The heroes 'neath helmets from the holy city At the dawn itself; shields made a din, Loudly resounded. Thereat laughed the lank 205 Wolf in the wood, and the raven wan, Fowl greedy for slaughter: both of them knew That for them the warriors thought to provide Their fill on the fated; and flew on their track The dewy-winged eagle eager for prey, 210 The dusky-coated sang his war-song, The crooked-beaked. Stepped forth the warriors, The heroes for battle with boards protected, With hollow shields, who awhile before The foreign-folk's reproach endured, 215 The heathens' scorn; fiercely was that At the ash-spear's play to them all repaid, [All] the Assyrians, after the Hebrews Under their banners had [boldly] advanced To the army-camps. They bravely then 220 Forthright let fly showers of arrows, Of battle-adders, out from the horn-bows, Of strongly-made shafts; stormed they aloud, The cruel warriors, sent forth their spears Among the brave; the heroes were angry, 225 The dwellers-in-land, with the loathed race; The stern-minded stepped, the stout-in-heart, Rudely awakened their ancient foes Weary from mead; with hands drew forth The men from the sheaths the brightly-marked swords 230 Most choice in their edges, eagerly struck Of the [host of] Assyrians the battle-warriors, The hostile-minded; not one they spared Of the army-folk, nor low nor high Of living men, whom they might subdue. 235

[1] 'Thank-worthy,' Kr.

XII.

Thus then the thanes in the morning-hours Pressed on the strangers unceasingly, Until they perceived, those who were hostile, The army-folk's chiefest leaders, That upon them sword-strokes mighty bestowed 240 The Hebrew men. They that in words To their most noted chiefs of the people Went to announce, waked helmeted warriors And to them with fear the dread news told, To the weary-from-mead the morning-terror, 245 The hateful sword-play. Then learnt I that quickly The slaughter-fated men aroused from sleep And to the baleful's sleeping-bower The saddened[1] men pressed on in crowds, To Holofernes: they only were thinking 250 To their own lord to make known the fight, Ere terror on him should take its seat, The might of the Hebrews. They all imagined That the prince of men and the handsome maid In the beautiful tent were [still] together, 255 Judith the noble and the lustful one, Dreadful and fierce; though no earl there was Who the warrior durst [then] awake, Or durst discover how the helmeted warrior With the holy maid had passed his time, 260 The Creator's handmaid. The force approached, The folk of the Hebrews, courageously fought With hard battle-arms, fiercely repaid Their former fights with shining[2] swords, The old-time grudge; was of the Assyrians 265 By that day's work the glory diminished, The pride brought low. The warriors stood 'Round their prince's tent strongly excited, Gloomy in mind. They then all together Began to groan,[3] to cry aloud 270 And gnash with their teeth,—afar from God,— Showing their anger; 'twas the end of their glory, Of joy and valor. The earls were thinking To awaken their lord; they did not succeed. Then at last and too late was one so bold 275 Of the battle-warriors that to the bower-tent He daringly ventured, since need him compelled: Found he then on the bed lying deadly-pale His [own] gold-giver of breath bereft, Of life deprived. Then quickly he fell 280 Astounded to earth, gan tear his hair, Excited in mind, and his garments too, And this word he spake to the warriors [brave], Who saddened there were standing without: "Here is displayed our own destruction, 285 The future betokened, that it is to the time Now amongst men[4] almost arrived, When we our lives shall lose together, In battle perish: here lies with sword hewn Our lord beheaded." They then sad-in-mind 290 Threw down their weapons and sorrowful went To hasten in flight. They fought on their tracks, The mighty folk, till the greatest part Of the army lay, in battle struck down, On the victor-plain, hewn down with swords, 295 To wolves for pleasure, and to slaughter-greedy Fowls for a joy. Those who lived fled The shields of their foes.[5] Went on their tracks The Hebrews' host, honored with victory, With glory ennobled; them took the Lord God 300 Fairly to help, the Lord Almighty. They bravely then with shining swords, Stout-hearted heroes, a war-path wrought Through heaps of their foes, hewed down their shields, Cut through their phalanx: the warriors were 305 Enraged in battle, the Hebrew men; The thanes at that time were much delighted At the combat with spears. Here fell in the dust The highest part of the chiefest number Of the Assyrians' princely nobility, 310 Of the hateful race; very few came Alive to their homes. The nobly-bold turned, Warriors retiring, among the slaughtered, The smoking corpses; it was time to take For the dwellers-in-land from the loathsome ones, 315 Their ancient foes deprived of life, The gory booty, the shining trappings, Shields and broad swords, brown-colored helmets, Precious treasures. Gloriously had they On that folk-place their foes overcome, 320 The defenders of home their ancient foes With swords put-to-sleep: behind them rested Those who in life were most hateful to them Of living races. Then all the people, Of tribes most renowned, for one month's space, 325 The proud twisted-locked, bore and carried To that bright city, Bethulia [named], Helmets and hip-swords, hoary byrnies, War-trappings of men adorned with gold, More precious treasures than any man 330 Of the cunning-in-mind may be able to tell, All that the warriors with might had won, The bold under banners on the battle-place By means of Judith's [most] clever lore, The moody[6] maid's. As meed for her 335 From that expedition, they brought for herself, The spear-strong earls, of Holofernes The sword and gory helm, likewise the byrnie broad, Adorned with reddish gold, all that the warrior-chief, The brave, of treasure had, or individual wealth, 340 Of rings and jewels bright; that to the lady fair, The wise-in-mind, gave they. For all that Judith said Glory to the Lord of hosts, who honor to her gave, Fame in realm of earth, and meed in heaven too, Reward in the glory of heaven, because true faith she had 345 In the Almighty ever; now at last she doubted not Of the meed which long she yearned for. For that to the dear Lord be Glory for ever and ever, who made both wind and air, The heavens and roomy lands, likewise the rushing streams, And joys of firmament too by means of his mercy mild. 350

[1] So Sw.; 'weary in mind,' Gn., Kr., C.

[2] 'Hostile,' C., though 'flashing,' 194, and 'gleaming,' 302.

[3] Lit., 'cough.'

[4] So Gn. and Kr.; 'with violence,' Sw.; 'with afflictions,' C.

[5] So Sw. and Kr.; 'Of the hostile shield-warriors,' Gn. and C.

[6] i.e., 'spirited.'



ATHELSTAN,

OR

THE FIGHT AT BRUNANBURH.

AEthelstan King, of earls the lord, Of heroes ring-giver, and his brother too, Edmund AEtheling, enduring fame Earned in the fight with edges of swords By Brunanburh. The board-wall they cleaved, 5 The war-shields hewed with leavings of hammers The sons of Edward. 'Twas natural to them By right of descent that in battle they oft 'Gainst every foe their land defended, Their hoards and homes. The foes were fallen, 10 Folk of the Scots and men of the ships, Fated they fell. The field ran thick[1] With heroes' blood, when the risen sun At morning-time, the mighty orb, Shone o'er the earth, bright candle of God, 15 Eternal Lord, till the noble creature Sank to his rest. There many men lay Struck down[2] with spears, men from the North, Shot o'er the shield, and Scotsmen too, Weary [and] war-filled. The West-Saxons forth 20 The live-long day with legions of warriors Pressed on the heels of the hostile foes; They felled the fleers with force from behind With sharp-ground swords. Shrank not the Mercians From hard hand-play with any of heroes, 25 Of those who with Anlaf o'er welling of waves On the deck of the ship had sought the land, Fated for fight. Five of them lay On the battle-field, young kings [they were], Slaughtered[3] with swords, and also seven 30 Earls of Anlaf, and unnumbered host Of seamen and Scots. There was forced to flee The Northmen's chief, by need compelled To the prow of his ship with few attendants. Keel crowded[4] the sea, the king went forth 35 On the fallow flood; he saved his life. There too the aged escaped by flight To his home in the North, Constantinus. The hoar war-hero was unable to boast Of attendance of men; he was robbed of his kinsmen, 40 Bereaved of his friends on the battle-field, Conquered in fight, and he left his son On the place of slaughter wasted with wounds, The boy in the battle. He durst not boast, The gray-haired warrior, of the clash of swords, 45 The aged enemy, nor Anlaf the more. With their army-remnant they durst not rejoice That in deeds of war they proved to be better On the place of battle, the striking of standards, The mingling of spears, the meeting of men, 50 The clashing of weapons, when on slaughter-field In contest with Edward's sons they contended. Departed the Northmen in nailed ships, Drear remnant of darts, on the sea of Dyng[5][?], O'er the water deep Dublin to seek, 55 Back to land of the Erse, depressed in mind. Likewise the brothers both together, King and aetheling, were seeking their home, West-Saxons' land, exulting in war. Behind them they let the corpses share 60 The dark-feathered fowl, the raven black, The crooked-beaked, and the ashy-feathered, White-tailed eagle enjoy the prey, The greedy war-hawk, and the gray-clad beast, The wolf in the wood. More corpses there were not 65 Upon this island ever as yet Of folk down-felled before this time With edges of sword, as books to us tell, Sages of old, since hither from East Angles and Saxons came to this land, 70 O'er the broad ocean Britain [once] sought, Haughty war-smiths the Welsh overcame, Earls eager for honor this earth acquired.

[1] Lit., 'became slippery,' Gn.; 'babbled' (as a brook), or 'became dark,' Kr.; 'streamed,' Th.

[2] 'Scattered,' Th.

[3] Lit., 'put to sleep.'

[4] Or, 'He pressed ship on the sea', 'drove,' Th.

[5] Gn. and W. take Dyng as a proper name, but no one knows who Dyng was. Kr. leaves on dynges mere untranslated, with the remark: "ist unaufgeklaert." He thinks it refers to some bay in Ireland, from which the invaders set out, but why may it not be a name for the Irish Sea itself? Th. translates 'on the roaring sea,' but adds 'quite conjectural.'



BYRHTNOTH,

OR

THE FIGHT AT MALDON.

* * * * * * was broken. Then bade he each youth his horse to forsake, To hasten afar and forwards to go, Be mindful of might, of mood courageous. This Offa's kinsman at once perceived 5 That the earl was unwilling faint heart to endure. Then he let from his hands his lief[1] hawk fly, His hawk to the holt, and to battle he stepped; By that might one know that the knight was unwilling To be weak in the war when to weapons he took. 10 By him too would Eadric, by his overlord, stand, His chief in the fight; then forth gan he bear His spear to the battle: brave spirit had he The while that with hands he was able to hold Shield and broad sword; his boast he fulfilled,[2] 15 When he 'fore his lord was bound to fight. There Byrhtnoth gan then his warriors embolden, Rode and gave rede, instructed his men How they should stand, and the stead sustain, And bade that rimmed shields they rightly should hold 20 Fast with their fists, and frightened be never. When he had the folk fairly emboldened, With his men he alighted where was liefest to him, Where his hearth-followers most faithful he knew. Then stood on the stathe,[3] stoutly did call 25 The wikings' herald, with words he spake, Who boastfully bore from the brine-farers An errand to th' earl, where he stood on the shore: "To thee me did send the seamen snell,[4] Bade to thee say, thou must send to them quickly 30 Bracelets for safety; and 'tis better for you That ye this spear-rush with tribute buy off Than we in so fierce a fight engage. We need not each spill,[5] if ye speed to this: We will for the pay a peace confirm. 35 If thou that redest who art highest in rank, If thou thy lieges art willing to loose, To pay to the seamen at their own pleasure Money for peace, and take peace from us, We will with the treasure betake us to ship, 40 Fare on the flood, and peace with you confirm." Byrhtnoth replied, his buckler uplifted, Waved his slim spear, with words he spake, Angry and firm gave answer to him: "Hear'st thou, seafarer, what saith this folk? 45 They will for tribute spear-shafts you pay, Poisonous points and trusty[6] swords, Those weapons that you in battle avail not. Herald of seamen, hark[7] back again, Say to thy people much sadder words, 50 Here stands not unknown an earl with his band, Who will defend this father-land, AEthelred's home, mine own liege lord's, His folk and field: ye're fated to fall, Ye heathen, in battle. Too base it me seems 55 That ye with our scats[8] to ship may go Unfought against, so far ye now hither Into our country have come within; Ye shall not so gently treasure obtain; Shall spear and sword sooner beseem us, 60 Grim battle-play, ere tribute we give." Then bade he shield bear, warriors advance, So that on the burn-stathe[9] they all were standing. Might not there for the water one war-band to th' other, When flowing flood came after the ebb, 65 Sea-streams interlocked; too long seemed it them Till they together their spears should bear. Then Panta's stream with pomp[10] [?] they beset, East-Saxons' chief and the host from the ships: No one of them might do harm to the other, 70 But he who by dart's flight his death should receive. The flood ebbed forth; the fleetmen stood ready, Many of wikings, eager for war. Bade heroes' buckler[11] then hold the bridge A war-hardened warrior, who Wulfstan was named, 75 Bold 'mid his kin (he was Ceola's son), Who the first man with his dart shot down That there most boldly stepped on the bridge. There stood with Wulfstan warriors fearless, AElfhere and Maccus, courageous the twain; 80 At the ford they would not seek safety in flight, But firm 'gainst the foes themselves they defended, The while that they weapons were able to wield. When they that perceived and earnestly saw That there bridge-fenders [so] fierce they found, 85 Began to lie these loathly guests: Begged that out-going they might obtain, Fare o'er the ford, their footmen lead. Then gan the earl on account of his pride Leave too much land to the loathly people. 90 Began then to call o'er the water cold The son[12] of Byrhthelm (the warriors listened): "Now room is allowed you, come quickly to us, Warriors to war; wot God alone Who this battle-field may be able to keep." 95 Waded the war-wolves, for water they recked not, The wikings' band, west over Panta, O'er the clear water carried their shields, Boatmen to bank their bucklers bore. There facing their foes ready were standing 100 Byrhtnoth with warriors: with shields he bade The war-hedge[13] work, and the war-band hold Fast 'gainst the foes. Then fight was nigh, Glory in battle; the time was come That fated men should there [now] fall. 105 Then out-cry was raised, the ravens circled, Eagle eager for prey; on earth was uproar. Then they let from their fists the file-hardened spears, The darts well-ground, [fiercely][14] fly forth: The bows were busy, board point received, 110 Bitter the battle-rush, warriors fell down, On either hands the youths lay dead. Wounded was Wulfmaer, death-rest he chose, Byrhtnoth's kinsman, with bills[15] was he, His sister's son, mightily hewn. 115 There was to the wikings recompense given; Heard I that Edward one of them slew Strongly with sword, stroke he withheld not, That fell at his feet the fated warrior; For that did his prince give thanks to him, 120 To his bower-thane,[16] when he had opportunity. So firmly stood the fierce-in-mind, The youths in fight, eagerly thought Who there with his spear might soonest be able From a fated man the life to win, 125 A warrior with weapons: the dead to earth fell. Steadfast they stood; strengthened them Byrhtnoth, Bade that each youth of battle should think He who on the Danes glory would gain. Went then a war-brave, his weapon uplifted, 130 His shield for defence, and strode towards the chief; So earnest he went, the earl to the churl: Each for the other of evil was thinking. Sent then the seaman his spear from the south That wounded was the warrior's lord; 135 Then he shoved with his shield that the shaft in two broke, And the spear was shivered; so sprang it back. Enraged was the warrior: with his spear he thrust The wiking proud, who the wound him gave. Wise was the warrior; he let his spear pierce 140 Through the neck of the youth; his hand it guided So that he his foe of life deprived. Then he another speedily shot, That the byrnie burst; in breast was he wounded Through the ringed mail; there stood in his heart 145 The poisonous point. The earl was the gladder; Laughed the proud man, to his Maker gave thanks For the work of that day that the Lord him gave. Then let one of warriors a dart from his hands, Fly from his fist, that forth it went 150 Through that noble thane of AEthelred. There stood by his side a youth not grown, A boy in the fight, who very boldly Drew from the warrior the bloody spear, The son of Wulfstan, Wulfmaer the young; 155 He let the hard weapon fly back again; The point in-pierced, that on earth he lay Who erst his lord strongly had struck. Went then an armored man to the earl, He would the warrior's jewels fetch back, 160 Armor and rings and sword well-adorned. Then Byrhtnoth drew his sword from its sheath, Broad and brown-edged, and on byrnie he struck: Too quickly him hindered one of the seamen, When he of the earl the arm had wounded; 165 Fell then to earth the fallow-hilt sword: He might not hold the hardened brand, His weapon wield. Yet the word he spake, The hoary hero the youths encouraged, Bade forwards go his good companions: 170 He might not on foot longer stand firm; He looked up to heaven, [the earl exclaimed:[17]] "I thanks to thee give, Ruler of nations, For all those joys that on earth I experienced: Now, Maker mild, most need have I 175 That thou to my spirit the blessing grant, That my soul to thee may take its course, Into thy power, Prince of angels, With peace may go: I pray to thee, That fiends of hell may not it harm." 180 Then hewed him down the heathen hinds, And both the warriors, who by him stood, AElfnoth and Wulfmaer both lay down dead, Beside their lord gave up their lives. Then bowed they from battle who there would not be; 185 There Odda's sons were erst in flight: From battle went Godric, and the good one forsook, Who had on him many a steed oft bestowed: He leaped on the horse that his lord had owned, Upon those trappings that right it was not, 190 And his brothers with him both ran away, Godrinc and Godwig, recked not of war, But went from the fight, and sought the wood, Fled to the fastness, and saved their lives, And more of the men than was at all meet, 195 If they those services all had remembered, That he for their welfare to them had done; So Offa to him one day had erst said At the meeting-place, when he held a moot, That there [very] proudly they many things spake 200 Which after in need they would not perform.[18] Then was down-fallen the prince of the folk, AEthelred's earl: all of them saw, The hearth-companions, that their lord lay dead. Then hurried there forth the haughty thanes, 205 The valiant men eagerly hastened: They would then all the one of the two, Their lives forsake or their loved one avenge. So urged them on the son of AElfric, A winter-young warrior, with words them addressed. 210 Then AElfwine quoth (boldly he spake): "Remember the times that we oft at mead spake, When we on the bench our boast upraised, Heroes in hall, the hard fight anent: Now may be tested who is the true.[19] 215 I will my lineage to all make known, That I 'mong the Mercians of mickle race was, My grandfather was Ealhhelm by name, An alderman wise, with wealth endowed. Ne'er shall 'mong this folk me thanes reproach 220 That I from this host will hasten to wend, My home to seek, now lies my lord Down-hewn in fight; to me 'tis great harm: By blood he was kin and by rank he was lord."[20] Then went he forth, was mindful of feud, 225 That he with his spear one of them pierced, A sailor o' the folk, that he lay on the ground Killed with his weapon. Gan he comrades exhort, Friends and companions, that forth they should go. Offa addressed them, his ash-spear shook: 230 "Lo! AElfwine, thou hast all admonished, Thanes, of the need. Now lieth our lord, Earl on the earth, to us all there is need That each one of us should strengthen the other Warrior to war, while weapon he may 235 [Still] have and hold, the hardened brand, Spear and good sword. Us hath Godric, Cowed son of Offa, all [basely] deceived: So many men thought when on mare he rode, On that proud steed, that it was our lord: 240 Therefore in field here the folk was divided, The phalanx broken: may perish his deed, That he here so many men caused to flee!" Leofsunu spake, and uplifted his shield, His buckler for guard; to the warrior he quoth: 245 "I promise thee this, that hence I will not A foot's breadth flee, but further will go, Avenge in battle mine own dear lord. Me need not 'round Stourmere the steadfast heroes With words reproach, now my friend has fallen, 250 That, lacking my lord, home I depart, Wend from the war, but weapons shall take me, Spear and iron."[21] Full angry he strode, Firmly he fought, flight he despised. Then Dunnere spake, his spear he shook, 255 The aged churl, called over all, Bade that each warrior should Byrhtnoth avenge: "He may not delay who thinks to avenge His lord on the folk, nor care for his life." Then forwards they went, they recked not of life; 260 Gan then his followers valiantly fight, Spear-bearers grim, and to God they prayed, That they might avenge their own dear lord, And upon their foes slaughter fulfil. Then gan the hostage eagerly help: 265 He was 'mong Northumbrians of valiant race, The son of Ecglaf, his name was AEscferth: Ne'er wavered he in that play of war, But he hastened forth many a dart; At times shot on shield, at times killed a chief, 270 Ever and anon inflicted some wound, The while that he weapon was able to wield. Then still in front stood Edward the long, Ready and eager; boastingly said That he would not flee a foot-breadth of land, 275 Backwards withdraw, when his better lay dead: Broke he the shield-wall and fought 'gainst the warriors, Till he his ring-giver upon the seamen Worthily avenged, ere he lay on the field. So [too] did AEtheric, noble companion, 280 Ready and eager, earnestly fought he; Sigebryht's brother and many another Cleft the curved[22] board, them bravely defended; Shield's border burst, and the byrnie sang A terrible song. In battle then slew 285 Offa the seaman that on earth he fell, And the kinsman of Gadd there sought the ground; Quickly in battle was Offa hewn down: He had though fulfilled what he promised his lord, As he before vowed in face of his ring-giver, 290 That both of them should ride to the borough, Hale to their homes, or in battle should fall, Upon the slaughter-place die of their wounds; He lay like a thane his lord beside. Then was breaking of boards; the seamen stormed, 295 Enraged by the fight; the spear oft pierced The fated one's life-house. Forth then went Wigstan, Son of Thurstan, fought 'gainst the foes: He was in the throng the slayer of three, Ere Wigelin's bairn lay dead on the field. 300 There fierce was the fight: firmly they stood, Warriors in war, the fighters fell, Weary with wounds; fell corpses to earth. Oswald and Ealdwald during all the while, Both of the brothers, emboldened the warriors, 305 Their kinsman-friends bade they in words, That they in need should there endure, Unwaveringly their weapons use. Byrhtwold [then] spake, uplifted his shield,— Old comrade was he,—his spear he shook, 310 He very boldly exhorted the warriors: "The braver shall thought be, the bolder the heart, The more the mood,[23] as lessens our might. Here lieth our lord, all hewn to pieces, The good on the ground: ever may grieve 315 Who now from this war-play thinketh to wend. I am old in years: hence will I not, But here beside mine own dear lord, So loved a man, I purpose to lie." So AEthelgar's bairn them all emboldened, 320 Godric, to battle: oft let he his spear, His war-spear wind amongst the wikings; So 'midst the folk foremost he went, Hewed he and felled, till in battle he lay; This was not that Godric who fled from the fight. 325 * * * * * * * *

[1] Dear.

[2] Or, 'maintained.'

[3] Bank.

[4] Bold.

[5] Destroy.

[6] Lit., 'old.'

[7] Lit., 'announce.'

[8] Money.

[9] Bank of the stream.

[10] i.e., 'battle-array,' Sw., but the word is uncertain; Kr. suggests 'fascines'; Zl. merely gives 'Prunk.'

[11] i.e., Byrhtnoth.

[12] i.e., Byrhtnoth.

[13] i.e., the phalanx with interlocked shields.

[14] Some such word as grame, or grimme, seems needed for the alliteration.

[15] i.e., battle-axes.

[16] Chamberlain.

[17] Inserted by Kr. to fill the lacuna, whom W. follows; Sw. and Zl. omit.

[18] Lit., 'suffer,' 'endure.'

[19] Lit., 'bold.'

[20] Lit., 'He was both my kinsman and my lord.'

[21] i.e., 'sword.'

[22] i.e., 'hollow shields.' Cellod is found only here and in Finnsburg, 29.

[23] i.e., 'courage.'



THE DREAM OF THE ROOD.

Lo! choicest of dreams I will relate, What dream I dreamt in middle of night When mortal men reposed in rest. Methought I saw a wondrous wood Tower aloft with light bewound, 5 Brightest of trees; that beacon was all Begirt with gold; jewels were standing Four[1] at surface of earth, likewise were there five Above on the shoulder-brace. All angels of God beheld it, Fair through future ages; 'twas no criminal's cross indeed, 10 But holy spirits beheld it there, Men upon earth, all this glorious creation. Strange was that victor-tree, and stained with sins was I, With foulness defiled. I saw the glorious tree With vesture[2] adorned winsomely shine, 15 Begirt with gold; bright gems had there Worthily decked the tree of the Lord.[3] Yet through that gold I might perceive Old strife of the wretched, that first it gave Blood on the stronger [right] side. With sorrows was I oppressed, 20 Afraid for that fair sight; I saw the ready beacon Change in vesture and hue; at times with moisture covered, Soiled with course of blood; at times with treasure adorned. Yet lying there a longer while, Beheld I sad the Saviour's tree 25 Until I heard that words it uttered; The best of woods gan speak these words: "'Twas long ago (I remember it still) That I was hewn at end of a grove, Stripped from off my stem; strong foes laid hold of me there, 30 Wrought for themselves a show, bade felons raise me up; Men bore me on their shoulders, till on a mount they set me; Fiends many fixed me there. Then saw I mankind's Lord Hasten with mickle might, for He would sty[4] upon me. There durst I not 'gainst word of the Lord 35 Bow down or break, when saw I tremble The surface of earth; I might then all My foes have felled, yet fast I stood. The Hero young begirt[5] Himself, Almighty God was He, Strong and stern of mind; He stied on the gallows high, 40 Bold in sight of many, for man He would redeem. I shook when the Hero clasped me, yet durst not bow to earth, Fall to surface of earth, but firm I must there stand. A rood was I upreared; I raised the mighty King, The Lord of Heaven; I durst not bend me. 45 They drove their dark nails through me; the wounds are seen upon me, The open gashes of guile; I durst harm none[6] of them. They mocked us both together; all moistened with blood was I, Shed from side of the man, when forth He sent His spirit. Many have I on that mount endured 50 Of cruel fates; I saw the Lord of Hosts Strongly outstretched; darkness had then Covered with clouds the corse of the Lord, The brilliant brightness; the shadow continued,[7] Wan 'neath the welkin. There wept all creation, 55 Bewailed the King's death; Christ was on the cross. Yet hastening thither they came from afar To the Son of the King[8]: that all I beheld. Sorely with sorrows was I oppressed; yet I bowed 'neath the hands of men, Lowly with mickle might. Took they there Almighty God, 60 Him raised from the heavy torture; the battle-warriors left me To stand bedrenched with blood; all wounded with darts was I. There laid they the weary of limb, at head of His corse they stood, Beheld the Lord of Heaven, and He rested Him there awhile, Worn from the mickle war. Began they an earth-house to work, 65 Men in the murderers'[9] sight, carved it of brightest stone, Placed therein victories' Lord. Began sad songs to sing The wretched at eventide; then would they back return Mourning from the mighty prince; all lonely[10] rested He there. Yet weeping[11] we then a longer while 70 Stood at our station: the [voice[12]] arose Of battle-warriors; the corse grew cold, Fair house of life. Then one gan fell Us[13] all to earth; 'twas a fearful fate! One buried us in deep pit, yet of me the thanes of the Lord, 75 His friends, heard tell; [from earth they raised me],[14] And me begirt with gold and silver. Now thou mayst hear, my dearest man, That bale of woes[15] have I endured, Of sorrows sore. Now the time is come, 80 That me shall honor both far and wide Men upon earth, and all this mighty creation Will pray to this beacon. On me God's Son Suffered awhile; so glorious now I tower to Heaven, and I may heal 85 Each one of those who reverence me; Of old I became the hardest of pains, Most loathsome to ledes[16] [nations], the way of life, Right way, I prepared for mortal men.[17] Lo! the Lord of Glory honored me then 90 Above the grove,[18] the guardian of Heaven, As He His mother, even Mary herself, Almighty God before all men Worthily honored above all women. Now thee I bid, my dearest man, 95 That thou this sight shalt say to men, Reveal in words, 'tis the tree of glory, On which once suffered Almighty God For the many sins of all mankind, And also for Adam's misdeeds of old. 100 Death tasted He there; yet the Lord arose With His mickle might for help to men. Then stied He to Heaven; again shall come Upon this mid-earth to seek mankind At the day of doom the Lord Himself, 105 Almighty God, and His angels with Him; Then He will judge, who hath right of doom, Each one of men as here before In this vain life he hath deserved. No one may there be free from fear 110 In view of the word that the Judge will speak. He will ask 'fore the crowd, where is the man Who for name of the Lord would bitter death Be willing to taste, as He did on the tree. But then they will fear, and few will bethink them 115 What they to Christ may venture to say. Then need there no one be filled with fear[19] Who bears in his breast the best of beacons; But through the rood a kingdom shall seek From earthly way each single soul 120 That with the Lord thinketh to dwell." Then I prayed to the tree with joyous heart, With mickle might, when I was alone With small attendance[20]; the thought of my mind For the journey was ready; I've lived through many 125 Hours of longing. Now 'tis hope of my life That the victory-tree I am able to seek, Oftener than all men I alone may Honor it well; my will to that Is mickle in mind, and my plea for protection 130 To the rood is directed. I've not many mighty Of friends on earth; but hence went they forth From joys of the world, sought glory's King; Now live they in Heaven with the Father on high, In glory dwell, and I hope for myself 135 On every day when the rood of the Lord, Which here on earth before I viewed, In this vain life may fetch me away And bring me then, where bliss is mickle, Joy in the Heavens, where the folk of the Lord 140 Is set at the feast, where bliss is eternal; And may He then set me where I may hereafter In glory dwell, and well with the saints Of joy partake. May the Lord be my friend, Who here on earth suffered before 145 On the gallows-tree for the sins of man! He us redeemed, and gave to us life, A heavenly home. Hope was renewed, With blessing and bliss, for the sufferers of burning. The Son was victorious on that fateful journey, 150 Mighty and happy,[21] when He came with a many,[22] With a band of spirits to the kingdom of God, The Ruler Almighty, for joy to the angels And to all the saints, who in Heaven before In glory dwelt, when their Ruler came, 155 Almighty God, where was His home.

[1] Feowere, B.'s emendation for MS. faegere, 'fair.'

[2] Silken cords, or tassels, W.; sailyards, ropes, in Hall and Sweet.

[3] Wealdendes, S.'s emendation for MS. wealdes, 'wood'; so Kl.

[4] Sty, 'mount,' common in Middle English.

[5] Here and below W. gives the corresponding verses from the Ruthwell Cross. They will also be found in Stopford Brooke's "Early English Literature," p. 337, q.v.

[6] Gr. changes MS. naenigum to aenigum and others follow; W. as MS.

[7] Foreth-eode, not for-etheode, 'overcame,' as Sw. W.'s note is an oversight.

[8] MS. to am aeethelinge. Sw. follows Ruthwell Cross, aeethele to anum.

[9] Banan must be taken as gen. pl.; B. reads banana; Sw. thinks it "a mistake for some other [word], possibly beorg," and takes banan as gen. sing. referring to the cross, though he adds, "this is very improbable." Truly so, as the cross is speaking.

[10] Maete werode, lit., 'with a small band,' but it means 'by himself.'

[11] Greotende is Gr.'s emendation for MS. reotende; B. hreotende; K. geotende; Sw. as Gr.

[12] Stefn is Kl.'s emendation to fill lacuna. W. prefers it, but does not think it convincing.

[13] Us here must refer to the three crosses, that of Christ and those of the two thieves.

[14] This half-line is Gr.'s emendation to fill lacuna in MS. Sw. and W. leave it blank.

[15] Or, 'of the wicked,' 'of criminals.'

[16] I have used this Middle English word for sake of the alliteration.

[17] Sw.'s text ends here. It was translated a few years ago in Poet-Lore as if it were the whole poem.

[18] MS. holmwudu; K. holtwudu, and so Gr. with (?).

[19] MS. unforht, but Gr.'s anforht suits the sense better.

[20] i.e., 'by myself.' See on 69.

[21] Lit., 'speedy,' 'successful.'

[22] A company, a crowd; common in Middle English.

THE END