For war against King Herwic: from all but faithful friends his thoughts were hidden.
[669]
A score of wide, strong barges bade he to be made.
I ween they liked it little to whom the king now said
That forthwith unto Sealand to fight must they be faring;
And he would thither hasten as soon as, winter o’er, springtide was nearing.
[670]
Eighty thousand warriors soon to him had come;
Of fighting men in Alzabie none were left at home.
Then swore the Moorland princes for war to make them ready;