[Ansteorra] Heroes

[C.L. Ward]

The Battle of Maldon, ll. 42-58, ca. 993 AD

Byrhtnoð maþelode,	bord hafenode,
wand wacne æsc,	wordum mælde,
yrre and anræd	ageaf him andsware:
"Gehyrst þu, saelida,	hwaet þis folc segeð?
Hi willað eow to gafole	garas syllan
ættrynne ord	and ealde swurd,
þa heregeatu	þe eow æt hilde ne deah.
Brimmanna boda,	abeod eft ongean,
sege þinum leodum	miccle laþre spell,
þæt her stynt unforcuð	eorl mid his werode,
þe wile gealgean	eþel þysne...

Byrhtnoth spoke,	grasped his shield,
waved his slender ash-spear,	spoke words
wrathful and resolute,	gave him answer:
"Do you hear, sea-farer,	what this folk says?
They will sell you spears	as tribute,
poisoned points	and ancient swords,
wargear with which	to slay you in battle.
Messenger of the sea-men,	announce once again,
tell your people	these very hateful tidings,
that here stands an honorable	earl with his army,
who will defend	this country...