Blackstream Family

The Battle of Maldon A Verse Translation by Douglas B. Killings

...would be broken. Then he ordered a warrior each horse be let free, driven afar and advance onward, giving thought to deeds of arms and to steadfast courage. Then it was that Offa's kinsman first perceived, that the Earl would not endure cowardice, for he let then from his hand flee his beloved falcon towards the woods and there to battle went forth. By this a man might understand that this youth would not prove soft at the coming battle, when he takes up arms. Further Eadric desired to serve his chief, his lord to fight with; and so he advanced forward his spear to battle. He had a dauntless spirit as long as he with hands might be able to grasp shield and broad sword: the vow he would carry out that he had made before his lord saying he would fight. Then Byrhtnoth marshalled his soldiers, riding and instructing, directing his warriors how they should stand and the positions they should keep, and ordering that their shields properly stand firm with steady hands and be not afraid. Then when he beheld that people in suitable array, he dismounted amid his people, where he was most pleased to be, there amid his retainers knowing their devotion.