isa-normaladvance-1914-00172

Description:	172THE NORMAL ADVANCEsword. There was requital given to the vikings. I heard that Edward alone slew fiercely with his sword, withholding not the blow, so that the doomed warriors fell at his feet for that his prince said thanks to him through the chamberlain, when he had an opportunity. So the resolute young warriors stemmed the tide of battle planning earnestly there who might first take life from the doomed men, warriors with weapons. Slaughter fell upon the earth. They stood steadfast, Brihtnoth encouraged them, bade the young warriors resolve who in the conflict would win renown from the Danes. The cruelty of battle advanced, lifted up weapons, shields as a protection, and advanced against the enemy full resolutely the earl charged upon the churl, each resolving evil upon the other. The viking sent an arrow southward so that the chief of the Saxon war¬ riors was wounded he shoved them with his shield, until the shaft burst, and the spear shivered to splinters, so that it rebounded. The warrior raged with his spear he stung the haughty viking, who gave him the wound. Wary was the warrior. He let his spear go through his enemys throat directed his hand so that he took the life of the dangerous enemy. Then he swiftly shot another so that the corselet burst he was wounded in the breast through the coat of mail, a poisonous dart was imbedded in his heart. The earl was blither, the proud man laughed, saying thanks to the Creator for that days work which the Lord had granted to him. Then a spear left the hands of a certain man, and flew from his grasp, so that it struck the noble thane of ^Ethelred. By his side stood a half-grown war¬ rior, a youth on the battlefield, who full boldly drew the bloody spear from the hero. He was the son of Wulfstane—Wulfmaer the youthful. He sent it back again strongly: the spear pierced in, so that he who just before had dealt hardly with his lord lay on the earth. The armed man went to the earl he desired to plunder the warriors jewels, armor and rings and the embellished sword. Then Brihtnothdrew his sword from its sheath, broad and blood-stained, and smote on the coat of mail. Quickly a certain seaman destroyed the earls arm and hindered him the fallow-hilted sword fell to earth, nor could he hold the hard mace nor wield weapons. Yet still the hoary war¬ rior spoke with words, encouraging the youths, bidding the good companions go forth: nor could he long stand firm upon his feet he looked to heaven . I thank Thee,Ruler of Nations, for all those pleasures which I have enjoyed on this earth. Now, merciful Creator, I am in the direst need that Thou grant grace to my spirit, that my soul may travel to Thee travel with peace into Thy kingdom, Prince of angels I am praying Thee that the hell-fiends may not heap ignominy upon these, my people. Then the heathen rascals hewed him down and both the men who stood beside him, Elnoth and Wulfmaer, both lay dead there beside their lord they gave up their lives. Then those who desired not to be there, turned from the conflict. There were the sons of Odda first in the flight. Godric turned from the struggle and forsook the good one, who many times had given him a horse  he mounted the horse, which his lord owned, sprang into the trappings (which was not right) and his brother with him, Godric and Godwig, galloped away, heeding not the bat¬ tle. They turned from the conflict and sought the woods, fled into the fastness and saved their lives. Truly it were more honor to any man if he were mindful of all the favors which his lord had done for his honor. Thus Offa, earlier in the day, said to them on the battlefield, when he held a council, that there many spoke courageously who at the crisis would not en¬ dure. Then fell the chief of the people, the earl of iEthelred all the retainers saw that their lord lay dead. The haughty thanes turned to the front, brave men hastened eagerly they all desired one of two things, either to forsake life or to avenge their beloved chief. Thus Elf wine, the son of Elf rie, a man young in years, encouraged them, speaking in these words, call-
Source:	http://indstate.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/isuarchive/id/32632
Collection:	Indiana State University Archives

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