For the realm of Aethelred, my royal chief, For his folk and his fold; fallen shall lie 55 The heathen at shield-play; Shameful I deem it With our treasure as tribute that you take to your ships, Without facing a fight, since thus far hither You have come and encroached on our king's domain. You shall not so easily earn our treasure; 60 You must prove your power with point and sword edge, With grim war grip ere we grant you tribute." He bade then his band to bear forth their shields, Until they arrived at the river bank. The waters prevented the warriors' encounter; 65 The tide flowed in, the flood after the ebb, Locked up the land; too long it seemed Until they could meet and mingle their spears. By Panta's stream they stood in array, The East Saxon army and the eager shield-warriors; 70 Each troop was helpless to work harm on the other, Save the few who were felled by a flight of arrows. The flood receded; the sailors stood ready, All of the Vikings eager for victory. Byrhtnoth bade the bridge to be defended, 75 The brave-hearted warrior, by Wulfstan the bold With his crowd of kinsmen; he was Ceola's son, And he felled the first of the foemen who stepped On the bridge, the boldest of the band of men. There waited with Wulfstan the warriors undaunted, 80 Aelfhere and Maccus, men of courage; At the ford not a foot would they flee the encounter, But close in conflict they clashed with the foe, As long as they wielded their weapons with strength. As soon as they saw and perceived it clearly, 85 How fiercely fought was the defense of the bridge, The treacherous tribe in trickery asked That they be allowed to lead their hosts For a closer conflict, to cross over the ford. Then the earl, too eager to enter the fight, 90 Allowed too much land to the loathed pirates. Clearly then called over the cold water Byrhthelm's son; the soldiers listened: "Room is now made for you; rush quickly here Forward to the fray; fate will decide 95 Into whose power shall pass this place of battle." Went then the battle-wolves-- of water they recked not-- The pirate warriors west over Panta; Over the bright waves they bore their shields; The seamen stepped to the strand with their lindens. 100 In ready array against the raging hosts Stood Byrhtnoth's band; he bade them with shields To form a phalanx, and to defend themselves stoutly, Fast holding the foe. The fight was near, The triumph at conflict; the time had come 105 When fated men should fall in battle.