Then he ordered each of his warriors his horse to loose
Then did brithnoth begin his men to bestow
He rode up and counselled them - his soldiers he taught
Then stood forth on the strand and sternly spake
The messenger from the sea men, delivered his tidings
Brithnoth made answer - his buckler he grasped
Brandished his slender spear - and spoke

Bade he then to bear the shields, the warriors to go
So that they on the river's bank all stood
So stood firm the stout-hearted
Warriors in the war - they did keenly strive
Who with his point first should be able
From fey men to win life
Warriors with weapons; they stood steadfast
Brithnoth stirred them!

Thou messenger of the seamen, back with thy message
There stands here a good earl in the midst of his men
Who will this country ever defend
The kingdom of aethelred, mine overlord
The folk and the ground - but they shall fall
Nor shall ye so softly carry off our riches
Sooner shall point and edge reconcile us
Grim warplay indeed - before we give tribute