Difference between revisions of "Battle of Maldon (English)"

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The Translation'''
 
The Translation'''
  
                    ...would be broken.
+
                                        ...would be broken.
    Then he ordered a warrior each horse be let free,
+
            Then he ordered a warrior each horse be let free,
    driven afar and advance onward,
+
            driven afar and advance onward,
    giving thought to deeds of arms and to steadfast courage.
+
            giving thought to deeds of arms and to steadfast courage.
    Then it was that Offa's kinsman first perceived,
+
            Then it was that Offa's kinsman first perceived,
    that the Earl would not endure cowardice,
+
          that the Earl would not endure cowardice,
    for he let then from his hand flee his beloved
+
          for he let then from his hand flee his beloved
    falcon towards the woods and there to battle went forth.
+
          falcon towards the woods and there to battle went forth.
    By this a man might understand that this youth would not
+
          By this a man might understand that this youth would not
    prove soft at the coming battle, when he takes up arms.
+
          prove soft at the coming battle, when he takes up arms.
    Further Eadric desired to serve his chief,
+
          Further Eadric desired to serve his chief,
    his lord to fight with; and so he advanced forward
+
          his lord to fight with; and so he advanced forward
    his spear to battle.  He had a dauntless spirit
+
          his spear to battle.  He had a dauntless spirit
    as long as he with hands might be able to grasp
+
          as long as he with hands might be able to grasp
'''15'''  shield and broad sword: the vow he would carry out
+
15     shield and broad sword: the vow he would carry out
    that he had made before his lord saying he would fight.
+
          that he had made before his lord saying he would fight.
          Then Byrhtnoth marshalled his soldiers,
+
                    Then Byrhtnoth marshalled his soldiers,
    riding and instructing, directing his warriors
+
          riding and instructing, directing his warriors
    how they should stand and the positions they should keep,
+
          how they should stand and the positions they should keep,
'''20'''  and ordering that their shields properly stand firm
+
20     and ordering that their shields properly stand firm
    with steady hands and be not afraid.
+
          with steady hands and be not afraid.
    Then when he beheld that people in suitable array,
+
          Then when he beheld that people in suitable array,
    he dismounted amid his people, where he was most pleased to
+
          he dismounted amid his people, where he was most pleased to
                        be,
+
                                                  be, there amid his retainers knowing their devotion.
    there amid his retainers knowing their devotion.
+
25     Then stood on the shore, stoutly calling out
25       Then stood on the shore, stoutly calling out
+
          a Viking messenger, making speech,
    a Viking messenger, making speech,
+
          menacingly delivering the sea-pirate's
    menacingly delivering the sea-pirate's
+
          message to this Earl on the opposite shore standing:
    message to this Earl on the opposite shore standing:
+
          "I send to you from the bold seamen,
    "I send to you from the bold seamen,
+
30     a command to tell that you must quickly send
30   a command to tell that you must quickly send
+
          treasures to us, and it would be better to you if
    treasures to us, and it would be better to you if
+
          with tribute buy off this conflict of spears
    with tribute buy off this conflict of spears
+
          than with us bitter battle share.
    than with us bitter battle share.
+
          No need to slaughter each other if you be generous with us;
    No need to slaughter each other if you be generous with us;
+
35     we would be willing for gold to bring a truce.
35   we would be willing for gold to bring a truce.
+
          If you believe which of these is the noblest path,
    If you believe which of these is the noblest path,
+
          and that your people are desirous of assurance,
    and that your people are desirous of assurance,
+
          then pay the sea-farers on their own terms
    then pay the sea-farers on their own terms
+
          money towards peace and receive peace from us,
    money towards peace and receive peace from us,
+
40     for we with this tribute will take to our ships,
40   for we with this tribute will take to our ships,
+
          depart on the sea and keep peace with you."
    depart on the sea and keep peace with you."
+
                    Byrhtnoth spoke, his shield raised aloft,
          Byrhtnoth spoke, his shield raised aloft,
+
          brandishing a slender ash-wood spear, speaking words,
    brandishing a slender ash-wood spear, speaking words,
+
          wrathful and resolute did he give his answer:
    wrathful and resolute did he give his answer:
+
45     "Hear now you, pirate, what this people say?
45   "Hear now you, pirate, what this people say?
+
          They desire to you a tribute of spears to pay,
    They desire to you a tribute of spears to pay,
+
          poisoned spears and old swords,
    poisoned spears and old swords,
+
          the war-gear which you in battle will not profit from.
    the war-gear which you in battle will not profit from.
+
          Sea-thieves messenger, deliver back in reply,
    Sea-thieves messenger, deliver back in reply,
+
50     tell your people this spiteful message,
50   tell your people this spiteful message,
+
          that here stands undaunted an Earl with his band of men
    that here stands undaunted an Earl with his band of men
+
          who will defend our homeland,
    who will defend our homeland,
+
          Aethelred's country, the lord of my
    Aethelred's country, the lord of my
+
          people and land.  Fall shall you
    people and land.  Fall shall you
+
55           heathen in battle!  To us it would be shameful
55   heathen in battle!  To us it would be shameful
+
          that you with our coin to your ships should get away
    that you with our coin to your ships should get away
+
          without a fight, now you thus far
    without a fight, now you thus far
+
          into our homeland have come.
    into our homeland have come.
+
          You shall not so easily carry off our treasure:
    You shall not so easily carry off our treasure:
+
60     with us must spear and blade first decide the terms,
60   with us must spear and blade first decide the terms,
+
          fierce conflict, is the tribute we will hand over."
    fierce conflict, is the tribute we will hand over."
+
                    He then ordered their shields taken up, his soldiers
          He then ordered their shields taken up, his soldiers
+
                                                  advancing
                        advancing
+
          until on the river-bank they all stood.
    until on the river-bank they all stood.
+
          Because of the river they were not able this band of men to
    Because of the river they were not able this band of men to
+
                                                  fight the other:
                        fight the other:
+
65     there came flowing the flood after the tide;
65   there came flowing the flood after the tide;
+
          joining in the tidal stream.  Too long it seemed to him
    joining in the tidal stream.  Too long it seemed to him
+
          until the time when they together with spears join in battle.
    until the time when they together with spears join in battle.
+
                    There they on the Pante stream with pride lined the
          There they on the Pante stream with pride lined the
+
                                                  banks,
                        banks,
+
          East Saxon spears and the sea-raider army;
    East Saxon spears and the sea-raider army;
+
70     nor might any harm the other
70   nor might any harm the other
+
          unless through an arrow's flight death receive.
    unless through an arrow's flight death receive.
+
                    Then the tide went out.  The seamen stood ready,
          Then the tide went out.  The seamen stood ready,
+
          many Vikings eager for battle.
    many Vikings eager for battle.
+
          Then the heroes' protector ordered that the causeway be held
    Then the heroes' protector ordered that the causeway be held
+
75     by a warrior stern -- Wulfstan was his name --
75   by a warrior stern -- Wulfstan was his name --
+
          valiant with his people: that was Ceola's son,
    valiant with his people: that was Ceola's son,
+
          who the first man with his spear slain
    who the first man with his spear slain
+
          was one who boldly on the causeway stood.
    was one who boldly on the causeway stood.
+
          There fought with Wulfstan warriors fearless,
    There fought with Wulfstan warriors fearless,
+
80     Aelfere and Maccus, two great in courage,
80   Aelfere and Maccus, two great in courage,
+
          who would not at this fjord take to flight,
    who would not at this fjord take to flight,
+
          but stoutly against the enemy defended themselves
    but stoutly against the enemy defended themselves
+
          while with their weapons they might wield.
    while with their weapons they might wield.
+
          Then they understood and clearly saw,
    Then they understood and clearly saw,
+
85     that this guarding of the causeway was a fierce encounter,
85   that this guarding of the causeway was a fierce encounter,
+
          and so began to use guile, the hateful strangers,
    and so began to use guile, the hateful strangers,
+
          asked that passage to land they might have,
    asked that passage to land they might have,
+
          to the shore and pass the fjord would this force lead.
    to the shore and pass the fjord would this force lead.
+
                Then the Earl permitted in his great pride
          Then the Earl permitted in his great pride
+
90       to allow land many of these hateful people;
90   to allow land many of these hateful people;
+
          and so then shouted on the shore of the cold water
    and so then shouted on the shore of the cold water
+
          Byrhtelm's child -- and the warriors listened:
    Byrhtelm's child -- and the warriors listened:
+
          "Now the way is open to you: come quickly to us
    "Now the way is open to you: come quickly to us
+
          you men to battle.  God alone knows
    you men to battle.  God alone knows
+
95     who on this field of honor may be allowed to be the master
95   who on this field of honor may be allowed to be the master
+
          of."
                        of."
+
                    Then advanced the wolves of slaughter, for water they
          Then advanced the wolves of slaughter, for water they
+
          cared not for, this band of Vikings;
    cared not for, this band of Vikings;
+
          west over the Pante's
    west over the Pante's
+
          shining water shore they carried their shields,
    shining water shore they carried their shields,
+
          these men of the fleet towards land advanced their linden
    these men of the fleet towards land advanced their linden
+
                                                  shields.
                        shields.
+
100   There against the enemy stood ready
100 There against the enemy stood ready
+
          Byrhtnoth with his soldiers.  He with his shield commanded
    Byrhtnoth with his soldiers.  He with his shield commanded
+
          to form the battle ranks and that force of men to hold fast
    to form the battle ranks and that force of men to hold fast
+
          firmly towards the enemy.  Then was the fight near,
    firmly towards the enemy.  Then was the fight near,
+
          glory in battle.  The time was come
    glory in battle.  The time was come
+
105   that these doomed men would fall in battle.
105 that these doomed men would fall in battle.
+
          There came the loud clamor.  Ravens circled around,
    There came the loud clamor.  Ravens circled around,
+
          eagles eager for carrion.  On Earth was the battlecry.
    eagles eager for carrion.  On Earth was the battlecry.
+
                    They then sent forth from their hands shafts hard as
          They then sent forth from their hands shafts hard as
+
                                                  file,
                        file,
+
          murderously sharpened spears flew.
    murderously sharpened spears flew.
+
110   Bows were busily at work, shields received spears.
110 Bows were busily at work, shields received spears.
+
          Fierce was that onslaught.  Warriors fell in battle
    Fierce was that onslaught.  Warriors fell in battle
+
          on either side, young men lay slain.
    on either side, young men lay slain.
+
                    Wounded was Wulfmaer, meeting death on the battlefield,
          Wounded was Wulfmaer, meeting death on the battlefield,
+
          Byrhtnoth's kinsman: he with sword was,
    Byrhtnoth's kinsman: he with sword was,
+
115   his sister's son, cruelly hewn down.
115 his sister's son, cruelly hewn down.
+
          There were the Vikings given requital:
    There were the Vikings given requital:
+
          I hear that Eadweard smote one
    I hear that Eadweard smote one
+
          fiercely with his sword, withholding not in his blow,
    fiercely with his sword, withholding not in his blow,
+
          so that at his feet fell a doomed warrior;
    so that at his feet fell a doomed warrior;
+
120   for this he of his people gave thanks for,
120 for this he of his people gave thanks for,
+
          this chamber-thane, when the opportunity arose.
    this chamber-thane, when the opportunity arose.
+
                    So stood firm of purpose
          So stood firm of purpose
+
          these young men in battle, eagerly giving thought
    these young men in battle, eagerly giving thought
+
          to who there with spear-points was first able
    to who there with spear-points was first able
+
125   of doomed men's life destroy,
125 of doomed men's life destroy,
+
          warriors with weapons.  The slain in battle fell to Earth.
    warriors with weapons.  The slain in battle fell to Earth.
+
          Steadfast and unyielding, Byrhtnoth exhorted them,
    Steadfast and unyielding, Byrhtnoth exhorted them,
+
          bidding that each young warrior's purpose to this battle,
    bidding that each young warrior's purpose to this battle,
+
          against the Danes a desire to win glory in war.
    against the Danes a desire to win glory in war.
+
130             Advanced again to fierce battle, weapons raised up,
130       Advanced again to fierce battle, weapons raised up,
+
          shields to defense, and towards these warriors they stepped.
    shields to defense, and towards these warriors they stepped.
+
          Resolute they approached Earl to the lowest Yeoman:
    Resolute they approached Earl to the lowest Yeoman:
+
          each of them intent on harm for the enemy.
    each of them intent on harm for the enemy.
+
          Sent then a sea-warrior a spear of southern make
    Sent then a sea-warrior a spear of southern make
+
135   that wounded the warrior lord.
135 that wounded the warrior lord.
+
          He thrust then with his shield such that the spear shaft
    He thrust then with his shield such that the spear shaft
+
                                                  burst,
                        burst,
+
          and that spear-head shattered as it sprang in reply.
    and that spear-head shattered as it sprang in reply.
+
          Enraged became that warrior: with anger he stabbed
    Enraged became that warrior: with anger he stabbed
+
          that proud Viking who had given him that wound.
    that proud Viking who had given him that wound.
+
140   Experienced was that warrior; he thrust his spear forward
140 Experienced was that warrior; he thrust his spear forward
+
          through the warrior's neck, his hand guiding
    through the warrior's neck, his hand guiding
+
          so that he this ravager's life would fatally pierce.
    so that he this ravager's life would fatally pierce.
+
                    Then he with another stab speedily pierced the ravager
          Then he with another stab speedily pierced the ravager
+
          so that the chainmail coat broke: this man had a breast wound
    so that the chainmail coat broke: this man had a breast wound
+
145   cut through the linked rings; through his heart stuck
145 cut through the linked rings; through his heart stuck
+
          a deadly spear.  The Earl was the better pleased:
    a deadly spear.  The Earl was the better pleased:
+
          laughed then this great man of spirit, thanking the Creator
    laughed then this great man of spirit, thanking the Creator
+
                                                  for
                        for
+
          the day's work which the Lord had given him.
    the day's work which the Lord had given him.
+
          And so then another warrior a spear from the other side
    And so then another warrior a spear from the other side
+
150   flew out of hand, which deeply struck
150 flew out of hand, which deeply struck
+
          through the noble Aethelred's retainer.
    through the noble Aethelred's retainer.
+
          To him by his side stood a young man not fully grown,
    To him by his side stood a young man not fully grown,
+
          a youth on the battlefield, who valiantly
    a youth on the battlefield, who valiantly
+
          pulled out of this warrior the bloody spear,
    pulled out of this warrior the bloody spear,
+
155   Wulfstan's child, Wulfmaer the younger;
155 Wulfstan's child, Wulfmaer the younger;
+
          and so with blinding speed came the shaft in reply.
    and so with blinding speed came the shaft in reply.
+
          The spear penetrated, for that who on the Earth now lay
    The spear penetrated, for that who on the Earth now lay
+
          among his people, the one who had sorely pierced.
    among his people, the one who had sorely pierced.
+
          Went then armed a man to this Earl;
    Went then armed a man to this Earl;
+
160   he desirous of this warrior's belongings to take off with,
160 he desirous of this warrior's belongings to take off with,
+
          booty and rings and an ornamental sword.
    booty and rings and an ornamental sword.
+
                    Then Byrhtnoth drew his sword from its sheath
          Then Byrhtnoth drew his sword from its sheath
+
          broad and bright of blade, and then struck the man's coat of
    broad and bright of blade, and then struck the man's coat of
+
                                                  mail.
                        mail.
+
          But too soon he was prevented by a certain sea-scavenger,
    But too soon he was prevented by a certain sea-scavenger,
+
165   and then the Earl's arm was wounded.
165 and then the Earl's arm was wounded.
+
          Fall then to the ground with his gold-hilted sword:
    Fall then to the ground with his gold-hilted sword:
+
          his grip unable to hold  the heavy sword,
    his grip unable to hold  the heavy sword,
+
          or wield the weapon.  Then still uttered those words
    or wield the weapon.  Then still uttered those words
+
          of the grey-haired warrior, encouraging the younger warriors,
    of the grey-haired warrior, encouraging the younger warriors,
+
170   bidding to advance stoutly together.
170 bidding to advance stoutly together.
+
          Not could he on his feet any longer stand firmly up,
    Not could he on his feet any longer stand firmly up,
+
          and so he looked to heaven:
    and so he looked to heaven:
+
          "I thank you, Lord of my people,
    "I thank you, Lord of my people,
+
          all the joys which I on this world have experienced.
    all the joys which I on this world have experienced.
+
175               "Now I ask, oh merciful Creator, the greatest hope
175       "Now I ask, oh merciful Creator, the greatest hope
+
          that to you my spirit shall be granted salvation
    that to you my spirit shall be granted salvation
+
          that my soul to thee be permitted to journey
    that my soul to thee be permitted to journey
+
          and into your power, King of Angels,
    and into your power, King of Angels,
+
          with peace I depart.  I only beseech that
    with peace I depart.  I only beseech that
+
180   the fiends of hell shall not be permitted to harm me."
180 the fiends of hell shall not be permitted to harm me."
+
                    Then he was slain by the heathen warriors;
          Then he was slain by the heathen warriors;
+
          and both of those warriors which by him stood,
    and both of those warriors which by him stood,
+
          Aelfnoth and Wulmaer were each slain,
    Aelfnoth and Wulmaer were each slain,
+
          close by their lord did they give up their lives.
    close by their lord did they give up their lives.
+
185               Then turned away from battle those that would not stay:
185       Then turned away from battle those that would not stay:
+
          there went Odda's child first to flight,
    there went Odda's child first to flight,
+
          Godric fled from the battle, and the noble abandoned
    Godric fled from the battle, and the noble abandoned
+
          the one which had often given him many a horse.
    the one which had often given him many a horse.
+
          He leapt upon the mount of the steed which had once been his
    He leapt upon the mount of the steed which had once been his
+
                                                  lord's,
                        lord's,
+
190   on those trappings of which he was not fit,
190 on those trappings of which he was not fit,
+
          he and with his brothers both galloped away,
    he and with his brothers both galloped away,
+
          Godwine and Godwig not caring for battle,
    Godwine and Godwig not caring for battle,
+
          but turned away from this battlefield and to the forest fled,
    but turned away from this battlefield and to the forest fled,
+
          seeking a place of safety and to protect their lives,
    seeking a place of safety and to protect their lives,
+
195   and many more men than what is right were there,
195 and many more men than what is right were there,
+
          then if they had acted deservingly and all remembered
    then if they had acted deservingly and all remembered
+
          he, who had to them, all benefits did make.
    he, who had to them, all benefits did make.
+
          Thus had Offa on that day first said
    Thus had Offa on that day first said
+
          at the meeting place, there at the council,
    at the meeting place, there at the council,
+
200   that there would be boldly many a boastful speech
200 that there would be boldly many a boastful speech
+
          which at the time of stress would not endure.
    which at the time of stress would not endure.
+
                    So now was laid low the Chief of this army,
          So now was laid low the Chief of this army,
+
          Aethelred's Earl.  All saw those
    Aethelred's Earl.  All saw those
+
          sharers of the hearth that their lord lay slain.
    sharers of the hearth that their lord lay slain.
+
205   But then there advanced onward those splendid retainers,
205 But then there advanced onward those splendid retainers,
+
          undaunted men hastening eagerly:
    undaunted men hastening eagerly:
+
          they desired all one of two things,
    they desired all one of two things,
+
          to leave life or else to avenge their dear lord.
    to leave life or else to avenge their dear lord.
+
                    And so exhorting them to advance was the child of
          And so exhorting them to advance was the child of
+
                                                  Aelfrices,
                        Aelfrices,
+
210   a warrior young in winters whose words spoke,
210 a warrior young in winters whose words spoke,
+
          Aelfwine then said, he in valiant talk:
    Aelfwine then said, he in valiant talk:
+
          "Remember the speeches which we had often at mead spoken,
    "Remember the speeches which we had often at mead spoken,
+
          that we on the bench had loudly uttered vows,
    that we on the bench had loudly uttered vows,
+
          warriors in the hall, concerning bitter strife:
    warriors in the hall, concerning bitter strife:
+
215   Now may we prove who is truly valiant!
215 Now may we prove who is truly valiant!
+
          I am willing that my royal descent be made known to all men,
    I am willing that my royal descent be made known to all men,
+
          that I was of Mercian blood greatly kindred;
    that I was of Mercian blood greatly kindred;
+
          my grandfather was named Ealhelm,
    my grandfather was named Ealhelm,
+
          a wise alderman and very prosperous.
    a wise alderman and very prosperous.
+
220   Not shall me these people's liegeman reproach
220 Not shall me these people's liegeman reproach
+
          that I of this army am willing to depart from,
    that I of this army am willing to depart from,
+
          a homeland seek, now that my lord lies slain
    a homeland seek, now that my lord lies slain
+
          and hewn down in battle.  Mine is that sorrow greatest:
    and hewn down in battle.  Mine is that sorrow greatest:
+
          he was both my kinsman and my lord."
    he was both my kinsman and my lord."
+
225   Then he advanced onward, remembering with hostility,
225 Then he advanced onward, remembering with hostility,
+
          then he with spear-point pierced one
    then he with spear-point pierced one
+
          pirate in their host, and to the ground lie slain
    pirate in their host, and to the ground lie slain
+
          killed with the weapon.  He began then to exhorted his
    killed with the weapon.  He began then to exhorted his
+
                                                  comrades,
                        comrades,
+
          friends and compatriots, that they advance onward.
    friends and compatriots, that they advance onward.
+
230   Offa spoke, shaking his ashen spear:
230 Offa spoke, shaking his ashen spear:
+
          "Lo, thou Aelfwine, have your words thus reminded
    "Lo, thou Aelfwine, have your words thus reminded
+
          us liegemen to our allegiance.  Now our people's protector
    us liegemen to our allegiance.  Now our people's protector
+
                                                  lies slain,
                        lies slain,
+
          the Earl is on the Earth, and to us all is our need
    the Earl is on the Earth, and to us all is our need
+
          that one another encourage each other
    that one another encourage each other
+
235   warriors to battle, while with weapons we are able
235 warriors to battle, while with weapons we are able
+
          to have and grasp, the hard blade,
    to have and grasp, the hard blade,
+
          the spear and the good sword.  To us has Godric,
    the spear and the good sword.  To us has Godric,
+
          that cowardly sun of Odda, all betrayed.
    that cowardly sun of Odda, all betrayed.
+
          Many men believed, then when he rode on the horse,
    Many men believed, then when he rode on the horse,
+
240   on that splendid steed, that it was our lord.
240 on that splendid steed, that it was our lord.
+
          Because of that happening here on the battlefield the people
    Because of that happening here on the battlefield the people
+
                                                  scattered,
                        scattered,
+
          the wall of shields breaking asunder.  Shame on that action,
    the wall of shields breaking asunder.  Shame on that action,
+
          for because of him thus many a man was caused to flee!"
    for because of him thus many a man was caused to flee!"
+
          Leofsunu spoke and his linden shield was raised,
    Leofsunu spoke and his linden shield was raised,
+
245   the board to defense; this warrior replied:
245 the board to defense; this warrior replied:
+
                    "I that swear, that from here I will not
          "I that swear, that from here I will not
+
          flee a foot's space, as my desire is to advance further,
    flee a foot's space, as my desire is to advance further,
+
          avenge in battle-strife my lord and friend.
    avenge in battle-strife my lord and friend.
+
          I have no desire among Sturmere's unyielding heroes
    I have no desire among Sturmere's unyielding heroes
+
250   to reproach my word, now that my patron has perished,
250 to reproach my word, now that my patron has perished,
+
          that I now lordless go on a homeward journey,
    that I now lordless go on a homeward journey,
+
          having turned away from battle, but rather I shall be taken by
    having turned away from battle, but rather I shall be taken by
+
                                                  weapons,
                        weapons,
+
          either spear or iron."  Wrathfully he advanced,
    either spear or iron."  Wrathfully he advanced,
+
          fighting resolutely, for he despised flight.
    fighting resolutely, for he despised flight.
+
255   Dunnere then said, brandishing his spear,
255 Dunnere then said, brandishing his spear,
+
          a simple yeoman calling out to the entire shore,
    a simple yeoman calling out to the entire shore,
+
          exhorting that each warrior avenge Byrhtnoth:
    exhorting that each warrior avenge Byrhtnoth:
+
          "One cannot retreat who intends vengeance
    "One cannot retreat who intends vengeance
+
          for our lord of the host, if their lives they care not for."
    for our lord of the host, if their lives they care not for."
+
260   So then they pressed forward, caring not about their lives.
260 So then they pressed forward, caring not about their lives.
+
          Then began these retainers to fiercely fight,
    Then began these retainers to fiercely fight,
+
          ferocious warriors armed with spears, and praying to God
    ferocious warriors armed with spears, and praying to God
+
          that they might avenge their lord and patron
    that they might avenge their lord and patron
+
          and on their enemy death make.
    and on their enemy death make.
+
265   Thus the hostage himself willingly helped;
265 Thus the hostage himself willingly helped;
+
          he was a Northumbrian of a brave family,
    he was a Northumbrian of a brave family,
+
          Ecglaf's child; he was named Aescferth.
    Ecglaf's child; he was named Aescferth.
+
          He hesitated not at the play of battle,
    He hesitated not at the play of battle,
+
          but shot forward many arrows;
    but shot forward many arrows;
+
270   here striking a shield, there cutting down a warrior,
270 here striking a shield, there cutting down a warrior,
+
          at almost every moment giving out some wound,
    at almost every moment giving out some wound,
+
          all the while with his weapon he would wield.
    all the while with his weapon he would wield.
+
                    Yet still at the battle front stood Eadweard the tall
          Yet still at the battle front stood Eadweard the tall
+
          ready and eager, speaking vaunting words
    ready and eager, speaking vaunting words
+
275   that he would not flee a foot's ground,
275 that he would not flee a foot's ground,
+
          or turn away back to the bank, then leave his superior where
    or turn away back to the bank, then leave his superior where
+
                                                  he lay.
                        he lay.
+
          He broke through that wall of shields and among the warriors
    He broke through that wall of shields and among the warriors
+
                                                  fought,
                        fought,
+
          until his bounteous lord upon those sea-men
    until his bounteous lord upon those sea-men
+
          did worthily avenge, and he on the battlefield lie slain.
    did worthily avenge, and he on the battlefield lie slain.
+
280               So did Aetheric, noble comrade,
280       So did Aetheric, noble comrade,
+
          press forward and eager to advance fight resolutely,
    press forward and eager to advance fight resolutely,
+
          Sibyrht's brother and very many others;
    Sibyrht's brother and very many others;
+
          splitting the enemy's shields, valiantly they defended
    splitting the enemy's shields, valiantly they defended
+
                                                  themselves.
                        themselves.
+
          Rang the shield rims, and sang the corselets of mail
    Rang the shield rims, and sang the corselets of mail
+
285   a certain terrible dirge.  Then at the battle's height
285 a certain terrible dirge.  Then at the battle's height
+
          Offa a sea-farer sent to the Earth dead,
    Offa a sea-farer sent to the Earth dead,
+
          and there Gadd's kinsman was laid low to the ground:
    and there Gadd's kinsman was laid low to the ground:
+
          soon it was at battle that Offa was hewn down.
    soon it was at battle that Offa was hewn down.
+
          He had however accomplished that vow to his lord
    He had however accomplished that vow to his lord
+
290   that he had uttered before to his giver of rings,
290 that he had uttered before to his giver of rings,
+
          that either they both ride to the fortified
    that either they both ride to the fortified
+
          home unhurt or else perish fighting
    home unhurt or else perish fighting
+
          on the battlefield and die of their wounds.
    on the battlefield and die of their wounds.
+
          He lay slain nobly near the lord of his people.
    He lay slain nobly near the lord of his people.
+
295   Then it happened that the shields broke through.  The sea-
295 Then it happened that the shields broke through.  The sea-
+
                                                  warriors advanced,
                        warriors advanced,
+
          to battle enraged.  Spear often pierced
    to battle enraged.  Spear often pierced
+
          the doomed houses of life.  Onward then advanced Wistan,
    the doomed houses of life.  Onward then advanced Wistan,
+
          Thurhstan's son, to these warriors fought.
    Thurhstan's son, to these warriors fought.
+
          He was among the throng and slew three,
    He was among the throng and slew three,
+
300   before Wigelm's child lay slain in battle.
300 before Wigelm's child lay slain in battle.
+
          There was severe combat.  Stood firm
    There was severe combat.  Stood firm
+
          did these warriors in battle.  Warriors perished
    did these warriors in battle.  Warriors perished
+
          exhausted by their wounds.  The slain fell dead to the Earth.
    exhausted by their wounds.  The slain fell dead to the Earth.
+
                    Oswold and Eadwold all this time,
          Oswold and Eadwold all this time,
+
305   both of these brothers encouraged the soldiers,
305 both of these brothers encouraged the soldiers,
+
          their beloved kinsman they would exhort through words
    their beloved kinsman they would exhort through words
+
          that they needed to endure
    that they needed to endure
+
          without weakening and make use of their weapons.
    without weakening and make use of their weapons.
+
                    Byrhtwold spoke, shield raised aloft --
          Byrhtwold spoke, shield raised aloft --
+
310   he was an old loyal retainer -- and brandished his spear;
310 he was an old loyal retainer -- and brandished his spear;
+
          he very boldly commanded the warriors:
    he very boldly commanded the warriors:
+
          "Our hearts must grow resolute, our courage more valiant,
    "Our hearts must grow resolute, our courage more valiant,
+
          our spirits must be greater, though our strength grows less.
    our spirits must be greater, though our strength grows less.
+
          Here lies our Lord all hewn down,
    Here lies our Lord all hewn down,
+
315   goodly he lies in the dust.  A kinsman mourns
315 goodly he lies in the dust.  A kinsman mourns
+
          that who now from this battle-play thinks to turn away.
    that who now from this battle-play thinks to turn away.
+
          I am advanced in years.  I do not desire to be taken away,
    I am advanced in years.  I do not desire to be taken away,
+
          but I by my liege Lord,
    but I by my liege Lord,
+
          by that favorite of men I intend to lie."
    by that favorite of men I intend to lie."
+
320   So then did Aethelgar's child enbolden them all,
320 So then did Aethelgar's child enbolden them all,
+
          Godric to battle.  Often he sent forth spears,
    Godric to battle.  Often he sent forth spears,
+
          deadly shaft sped away onto the Vikings;
    deadly shaft sped away onto the Vikings;
+
          thus he on this people went out in front of battle,
    thus he on this people went out in front of battle,
+
          cutting down and smiting, until he too on the battlefield
    cutting down and smiting, until he too on the battlefield
+
                                                  perished.
                        perished.
+
325   This was not that Godric who from the battle had flown away...
325 This was not that Godric who from the battle had flown away...
 

Revision as of 23:30, 24 July 2006

The Battle of Maldon The Translation

                                       ...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

15 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,

20 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.

25 Then stood on the shore, stoutly calling out

         a Viking messenger, making speech,
         menacingly delivering the sea-pirate's
         message to this Earl on the opposite shore standing:
         "I send to you from the bold seamen,

30 a command to tell that you must quickly send

         treasures to us, and it would be better to you if
         with tribute buy off this conflict of spears
         than with us bitter battle share.
         No need to slaughter each other if you be generous with us;

35 we would be willing for gold to bring a truce.

         If you believe which of these is the noblest path,
         and that your people are desirous of assurance,
         then pay the sea-farers on their own terms
         money towards peace and receive peace from us,

40 for we with this tribute will take to our ships,

         depart on the sea and keep peace with you."
                   Byrhtnoth spoke, his shield raised aloft,
         brandishing a slender ash-wood spear, speaking words,
         wrathful and resolute did he give his answer:

45 "Hear now you, pirate, what this people say?

         They desire to you a tribute of spears to pay,
         poisoned spears and old swords,
         the war-gear which you in battle will not profit from.
         Sea-thieves messenger, deliver back in reply,

50 tell your people this spiteful message,

         that here stands undaunted an Earl with his band of men
         who will defend our homeland,
         Aethelred's country, the lord of my
         people and land.  Fall shall you

55 heathen in battle! To us it would be shameful

         that you with our coin to your ships should get away
         without a fight, now you thus far
         into our homeland have come.
         You shall not so easily carry off our treasure:

60 with us must spear and blade first decide the terms,

         fierce conflict, is the tribute we will hand over."
                   He then ordered their shields taken up, his soldiers
                                                 advancing
         until on the river-bank they all stood.
         Because of the river they were not able this band of men to
                                                 fight the other:

65 there came flowing the flood after the tide;

         joining in the tidal stream.  Too long it seemed to him
         until the time when they together with spears join in battle.
                   There they on the Pante stream with pride lined the
                                                 banks,
         East Saxon spears and the sea-raider army;

70 nor might any harm the other

         unless through an arrow's flight death receive.
                   Then the tide went out.  The seamen stood ready,
         many Vikings eager for battle.
         Then the heroes' protector ordered that the causeway be held

75 by a warrior stern -- Wulfstan was his name --

         valiant with his people: that was Ceola's son,
         who the first man with his spear slain
         was one who boldly on the causeway stood.
         There fought with Wulfstan warriors fearless,

80 Aelfere and Maccus, two great in courage,

         who would not at this fjord take to flight,
         but stoutly against the enemy defended themselves
         while with their weapons they might wield.
         Then they understood and clearly saw,

85 that this guarding of the causeway was a fierce encounter,

         and so began to use guile, the hateful strangers,
         asked that passage to land they might have,
         to the shore and pass the fjord would this force lead.
                Then the Earl permitted in his great pride

90 to allow land many of these hateful people;

         and so then shouted on the shore of the cold water
         Byrhtelm's child -- and the warriors listened:
         "Now the way is open to you: come quickly to us
         you men to battle.  God alone knows

95 who on this field of honor may be allowed to be the master

         of."
                   Then advanced the wolves of slaughter, for water they
         cared not for, this band of Vikings;
         west over the Pante's
         shining water shore they carried their shields,
         these men of the fleet towards land advanced their linden
                                                 shields.

100 There against the enemy stood ready

         Byrhtnoth with his soldiers.  He with his shield commanded
         to form the battle ranks and that force of men to hold fast
         firmly towards the enemy.  Then was the fight near,
         glory in battle.  The time was come

105 that these doomed men would fall in battle.

         There came the loud clamor.  Ravens circled around,
         eagles eager for carrion.  On Earth was the battlecry.
                   They then sent forth from their hands shafts hard as
                                                 file,
         murderously sharpened spears flew.

110 Bows were busily at work, shields received spears.

         Fierce was that onslaught.  Warriors fell in battle
         on either side, young men lay slain.
                   Wounded was Wulfmaer, meeting death on the battlefield,
         Byrhtnoth's kinsman: he with sword was,

115 his sister's son, cruelly hewn down.

         There were the Vikings given requital:
         I hear that Eadweard smote one
         fiercely with his sword, withholding not in his blow,
         so that at his feet fell a doomed warrior;

120 for this he of his people gave thanks for,

         this chamber-thane, when the opportunity arose.
                   So stood firm of purpose
         these young men in battle, eagerly giving thought
         to who there with spear-points was first able

125 of doomed men's life destroy,

         warriors with weapons.  The slain in battle fell to Earth.
         Steadfast and unyielding, Byrhtnoth exhorted them,
         bidding that each young warrior's purpose to this battle,
         against the Danes a desire to win glory in war.

130 Advanced again to fierce battle, weapons raised up,

         shields to defense, and towards these warriors they stepped.
         Resolute they approached Earl to the lowest Yeoman:
         each of them intent on harm for the enemy.
         Sent then a sea-warrior a spear of southern make

135 that wounded the warrior lord.

         He thrust then with his shield such that the spear shaft
                                                 burst,
         and that spear-head shattered as it sprang in reply.
         Enraged became that warrior: with anger he stabbed
         that proud Viking who had given him that wound.

140 Experienced was that warrior; he thrust his spear forward

         through the warrior's neck, his hand guiding
         so that he this ravager's life would fatally pierce.
                   Then he with another stab speedily pierced the ravager
         so that the chainmail coat broke: this man had a breast wound

145 cut through the linked rings; through his heart stuck

         a deadly spear.  The Earl was the better pleased:
         laughed then this great man of spirit, thanking the Creator
                                                 for
         the day's work which the Lord had given him.
         And so then another warrior a spear from the other side

150 flew out of hand, which deeply struck

         through the noble Aethelred's retainer.
         To him by his side stood a young man not fully grown,
         a youth on the battlefield, who valiantly
         pulled out of this warrior the bloody spear,

155 Wulfstan's child, Wulfmaer the younger;

         and so with blinding speed came the shaft in reply.
         The spear penetrated, for that who on the Earth now lay
         among his people, the one who had sorely pierced.
         Went then armed a man to this Earl;

160 he desirous of this warrior's belongings to take off with,

         booty and rings and an ornamental sword.
                   Then Byrhtnoth drew his sword from its sheath
         broad and bright of blade, and then struck the man's coat of
                                                 mail.
         But too soon he was prevented by a certain sea-scavenger,

165 and then the Earl's arm was wounded.

         Fall then to the ground with his gold-hilted sword:
         his grip unable to hold  the heavy sword,
         or wield the weapon.  Then still uttered those words
         of the grey-haired warrior, encouraging the younger warriors,

170 bidding to advance stoutly together.

         Not could he on his feet any longer stand firmly up,
         and so he looked to heaven:
         "I thank you, Lord of my people,
         all the joys which I on this world have experienced.

175 "Now I ask, oh merciful Creator, the greatest hope

         that to you my spirit shall be granted salvation
         that my soul to thee be permitted to journey
         and into your power, King of Angels,
         with peace I depart.  I only beseech that

180 the fiends of hell shall not be permitted to harm me."

                   Then he was slain by the heathen warriors;
         and both of those warriors which by him stood,
         Aelfnoth and Wulmaer were each slain,
         close by their lord did they give up their lives.

185 Then turned away from battle those that would not stay:

         there went Odda's child first to flight,
         Godric fled from the battle, and the noble abandoned
         the one which had often given him many a horse.
         He leapt upon the mount of the steed which had once been his
                                                 lord's,

190 on those trappings of which he was not fit,

         he and with his brothers both galloped away,
         Godwine and Godwig not caring for battle,
         but turned away from this battlefield and to the forest fled,
         seeking a place of safety and to protect their lives,

195 and many more men than what is right were there,

         then if they had acted deservingly and all remembered
         he, who had to them, all benefits did make.
         Thus had Offa on that day first said
         at the meeting place, there at the council,

200 that there would be boldly many a boastful speech

         which at the time of stress would not endure.
                   So now was laid low the Chief of this army,
         Aethelred's Earl.  All saw those
         sharers of the hearth that their lord lay slain.

205 But then there advanced onward those splendid retainers,

         undaunted men hastening eagerly:
         they desired all one of two things,
         to leave life or else to avenge their dear lord.
                   And so exhorting them to advance was the child of
                                                 Aelfrices,

210 a warrior young in winters whose words spoke,

         Aelfwine then said, he in valiant talk:
         "Remember the speeches which we had often at mead spoken,
         that we on the bench had loudly uttered vows,
         warriors in the hall, concerning bitter strife:

215 Now may we prove who is truly valiant!

         I am willing that my royal descent be made known to all men,
         that I was of Mercian blood greatly kindred;
         my grandfather was named Ealhelm,
         a wise alderman and very prosperous.

220 Not shall me these people's liegeman reproach

         that I of this army am willing to depart from,
         a homeland seek, now that my lord lies slain
         and hewn down in battle.  Mine is that sorrow greatest:
         he was both my kinsman and my lord."

225 Then he advanced onward, remembering with hostility,

         then he with spear-point pierced one
         pirate in their host, and to the ground lie slain
         killed with the weapon.  He began then to exhorted his
                                                 comrades,
         friends and compatriots, that they advance onward.

230 Offa spoke, shaking his ashen spear:

         "Lo, thou Aelfwine, have your words thus reminded
         us liegemen to our allegiance.  Now our people's protector
                                                 lies slain,
         the Earl is on the Earth, and to us all is our need
         that one another encourage each other

235 warriors to battle, while with weapons we are able

         to have and grasp, the hard blade,
         the spear and the good sword.  To us has Godric,
         that cowardly sun of Odda, all betrayed.
         Many men believed, then when he rode on the horse,

240 on that splendid steed, that it was our lord.

         Because of that happening here on the battlefield the people
                                                 scattered,
         the wall of shields breaking asunder.  Shame on that action,
         for because of him thus many a man was caused to flee!"
         Leofsunu spoke and his linden shield was raised,

245 the board to defense; this warrior replied:

                   "I that swear, that from here I will not
         flee a foot's space, as my desire is to advance further,
         avenge in battle-strife my lord and friend.
         I have no desire among Sturmere's unyielding heroes

250 to reproach my word, now that my patron has perished,

         that I now lordless go on a homeward journey,
         having turned away from battle, but rather I shall be taken by
                                                 weapons,
         either spear or iron."  Wrathfully he advanced,
         fighting resolutely, for he despised flight.

255 Dunnere then said, brandishing his spear,

         a simple yeoman calling out to the entire shore,
         exhorting that each warrior avenge Byrhtnoth:
         "One cannot retreat who intends vengeance
         for our lord of the host, if their lives they care not for."

260 So then they pressed forward, caring not about their lives.

         Then began these retainers to fiercely fight,
         ferocious warriors armed with spears, and praying to God
         that they might avenge their lord and patron
         and on their enemy death make.

265 Thus the hostage himself willingly helped;

         he was a Northumbrian of a brave family,
         Ecglaf's child; he was named Aescferth.
         He hesitated not at the play of battle,
         but shot forward many arrows;

270 here striking a shield, there cutting down a warrior,

         at almost every moment giving out some wound,
         all the while with his weapon he would wield.
                   Yet still at the battle front stood Eadweard the tall
         ready and eager, speaking vaunting words

275 that he would not flee a foot's ground,

         or turn away back to the bank, then leave his superior where
                                                 he lay.
         He broke through that wall of shields and among the warriors
                                                 fought,
         until his bounteous lord upon those sea-men
         did worthily avenge, and he on the battlefield lie slain.

280 So did Aetheric, noble comrade,

         press forward and eager to advance fight resolutely,
         Sibyrht's brother and very many others;
         splitting the enemy's shields, valiantly they defended
                                                 themselves.
         Rang the shield rims, and sang the corselets of mail

285 a certain terrible dirge. Then at the battle's height

         Offa a sea-farer sent to the Earth dead,
         and there Gadd's kinsman was laid low to the ground:
         soon it was at battle that Offa was hewn down.
         He had however accomplished that vow to his lord

290 that he had uttered before to his giver of rings,

         that either they both ride to the fortified
         home unhurt or else perish fighting
         on the battlefield and die of their wounds.
         He lay slain nobly near the lord of his people.

295 Then it happened that the shields broke through. The sea-

                                                 warriors advanced,
         to battle enraged.  Spear often pierced
         the doomed houses of life.  Onward then advanced Wistan,
         Thurhstan's son, to these warriors fought.
         He was among the throng and slew three,

300 before Wigelm's child lay slain in battle.

         There was severe combat.  Stood firm
         did these warriors in battle.  Warriors perished
         exhausted by their wounds.  The slain fell dead to the Earth.
                   Oswold and Eadwold all this time,

305 both of these brothers encouraged the soldiers,

         their beloved kinsman they would exhort through words
         that they needed to endure
         without weakening and make use of their weapons.
                   Byrhtwold spoke, shield raised aloft --

310 he was an old loyal retainer -- and brandished his spear;

         he very boldly commanded the warriors:
         "Our hearts must grow resolute, our courage more valiant,
         our spirits must be greater, though our strength grows less.
         Here lies our Lord all hewn down,

315 goodly he lies in the dust. A kinsman mourns

         that who now from this battle-play thinks to turn away.
         I am advanced in years.  I do not desire to be taken away,
         but I by my liege Lord,
         by that favorite of men I intend to lie."

320 So then did Aethelgar's child enbolden them all,

         Godric to battle.  Often he sent forth spears,
         deadly shaft sped away onto the Vikings;
         thus he on this people went out in front of battle,
         cutting down and smiting, until he too on the battlefield
                                                 perished.

325 This was not that Godric who from the battle had flown away...