Byrhtwold then spoke; his buckler he lifted,
310 The old companion, his ash-spear shook
And boldly encouraged his comrades to battle:
“Your courage be the harder, your hearts be the keener,
And sterner the strife as your strength grows less.
Here lies our leader low on the earth,
315 Struck down in the dust; doleful forever
Be the traitor who tries to turn from the war-play.
I am old of years, but yet I flee not;
Staunch and steadfast I stand by my lord,