That he here so many men caused to flee!”
Leofsunu spake, and uplifted his shield,
His buckler for guard; to the warrior he quoth:  245
“I promise thee this, that hence I will not
A foot’s breadth flee, but further will go,
Avenge in battle mine own dear lord. 
Me need not ’round Stourmere the steadfast heroes
With words reproach, now my friend has fallen, 250
That, lacking my lord, home I depart,
Wend from the war, but weapons shall take me,
Spear and iron."[21] Full angry he strode,
Firmly he fought, flight he despised. 
Then Dunnere spake, his spear he shook, 255
The aged churl, called over all,
Bade that each warrior should Byrhtnoth avenge: 
“He may not delay who thinks to avenge
His lord on the folk, nor care for his life.” 
Then forwards they went, they recked not of life; 260
Gan then his followers valiantly fight,
Spear-bearers grim, and to God they prayed,
That they might avenge their own dear lord,
And upon their foes slaughter fulfil. 
Then gan the hostage eagerly help:  265
He was ’mong Northumbrians of valiant race,
The son of Ecglaf, his name was AEscferth: 
Ne’er wavered he in that play of war,
But he hastened forth many a dart;
At times shot on shield, at times killed a chief, 270
Ever and anon inflicted some wound,
The while that he weapon was able to wield. 
Then still in front stood Edward the long,
Ready and eager; boastingly said
That he would not flee a foot-breadth of land, 275
Backwards withdraw, when his better lay dead: 
Broke he the shield-wall and fought ’gainst the warriors,
Till he his ring-giver upon the seamen
Worthily avenged, ere he lay on the field. 
So [too] did AEtheric, noble companion, 280
Ready and eager, earnestly fought he;
Sigebryht’s brother and many another
Cleft the curved[22] board, them bravely defended;
Shield’s border burst, and the byrnie sang
A terrible song.  In battle then slew 285
Offa the seaman that on earth he fell,
And the kinsman of Gadd there sought the ground;
Quickly in battle was Offa hewn down: 
He had though fulfilled what he promised his lord,
As he before vowed in face of his ring-giver, 290
That both of them should ride to the borough,
Hale to their homes, or in battle should fall,
Upon the slaughter-place die of their wounds;
He lay like a thane his lord beside. 
Then was breaking of boards; the seamen stormed, 295
Enraged by the fight; the spear oft pierced
The fated one’s life-house.  Forth then went Wigstan,
Son of Thurstan, fought ’gainst the foes: 
He was in the throng the slayer of three,