ndful 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,