215 The time has now come for the test of your courage. Now I make known my noble descent; I come from Mercia, of mighty kinsmen; My noble grandsire's name was Ealdhelm, Wise in the ways of the world this elder. 220 Among my proud people no reproach shall be made That in fear I fled afar from the battle, To leave for home with my leader hewn down, Broken in battle; that brings me most grief; He was not only my earl but also my kinsman." 225 Then harboring hatred he hastened forth, And with the point of spear he pierced and slew A seaman grim who sank to the ground Under weight of the weapon. To war he incited His friends and fellows, in the fray to join. 230 Offa shouted; his ash-spear shook: "Thou exhortest, O Aelfwine, in the hour of need, When our lord is lying full low before us, The earl on the earth; we all have a duty That each one of us should urge on the rest 235 Of the warriors to war, while his weapons in hand He may have and hold, his hard-wrought mace, His dart and good sword. The deed of Godric, The wicked son of Offa, has weakened us all; Many of the men thought when he mounted the steed, 240 Rode on the proud palfry, that our prince led us forth; Therefore on the field the folk were divided, The shield-wall was shattered. May shame curse the man Who deceived our folk and sent them in flight." Leofsunu spoke and his linden-shield raised, 245 His board to defend him and embolden his fellows: "I promise you now from this place I will never Flee a foot-space, but forward will rush, Where I vow to revenge my vanquished lord. The stalwart warriors round Sturmere shall never 250 Taunt me and twit me for traitorous conduct, That lordless I fled when my leader had fallen, Ran from the war; rather may weapons, The iron points slay me." Full ireful he went; Fiercely he fought; flight he disdained. 255 Dunhere burst forth; his dart he brandished, Over them all; the aged churl cried, Called the brave ones to battle in Bryhtnoth's avenging: "Let no hero now hesitate who hopes to avenge His lord on the foemen, nor fear for his life." 260 Then forward they fared and feared not for their lives; The clansman with courage the conflict began; Grasped their spears grimly, to God made their prayer That they might dearly repay the death of their lord, And deal defeat to their dastardly foes. 265 A hostage took hold now and helped them with courage; He came from Northumbria of a noble kindred, The son of Ecglaf, Aescferth his name;