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.