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