Wise were the words spoken once by Offa
As he sat with his comrades assembled in council:
200 “There are many who boast in the mead-hall of bravery
Who turn in terror when trouble comes.”
The chief of the folk now fell to his death,
Æthelred’s earl; all his companions
Looked on their lord as he lay on the field.
205 Now there approached some proud retainers;
The hardy heroes hastened madly,
All of them eager either to die