To the assembly to show as a sign and a token, 175 All bloody to the burghers, how in battle they sped. To the famed victory-folk the fair maiden spoke: "O proudest of peoples, princely protectors, Gladly now gaze on the gory face, On the hated head of the heathen warrior, 180 Holofernes, wholly life-bereft, Who most of all men contrived murder against us, The sorest of sorrows, and sought even yet With greater to grind us, but God would not suffer him Longer to live, that with loathsomest evils 185 The proud one should oppress us; I deprived him of life Through the grace of God. Now I give commands To you citizens bold, you soldiers brave-hearted, Protectors of the people, to prepare one and all Forthwith for the fight. When first from the east 190 The King of creation, the kindest of Lords, Sends the first beams of light, bring forth your linden-shields, Boards for your breasts and your burnie-corselets, Your bright-hammered helmets to the hosts of the scathers, To fell the folk-leaders, the fated chieftains, 195 With your fretted swords. Your foes are all Doomed to the death, and dearly-won glory Shall be yours in battle, as the blessed Creator The mighty Master, through me has made known." 4. The Battle