from The Battle of Maldon

    from  The Battle of Maldon

    (Anonymous, Old English, AD 991)

    modern version by David Lake



Byrhtwold spoke,   he bore his shield,
The old companion,   he shook his ash-spear,
And manfully now   he admonished the men:
“Thought shall be the harder,   heart the keener,
Courage the greater,   as our strength lessens.
Here lies our leader,   all hewn down,
The good man on the ground.   May he ever mourn
Who now from this war-play   thinks to turn.
I am old in years:   I will not go hence,
But lodging me here   beside my lord,
By the man so loved,   I mean to lie.”


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