(See part I: https://laurelinarchives.org/node/63225)
But scoffs then Sigehelm scornful laughing
“This bumbling boy bursting into the hall
A-feared yet of dark, of feathers his courage,
Starting as sudden as stone-scattered birds.”
Wary Leothwise, word-weaver answers,
You slatternly slave to sloth and drink
Ready at hand should be rider’s weapons,
Better swift sword to scabbard returned
Then laments of sorrow, too late be sung.
When an enemy stalks in the encroaching night,”
Generous Guthleoth gravely listens
And rushes out, retainers following
Spears they seize to see the peril,
Their shields sure, and shining swords,
Threat to thwart if threat there be,
To ramports rushing running swiftly
Into darkness deepening danger seeking
Peering into the plain that patient waits
Quavering suddenly quake the men
From shivering shadows shirking away
With horror watching the horde approaching
Up Guthleoth stands his glittering sword
Outdrawn in his anger against the foe
“Dour-faced men, draw forth your swords,
And dare to defy these death-mongers grim
Our children watch this challenge now
And if orcish evil them orphans leave,
Worse the shame should they endure,
If from coward’s cradles they claim descent.
Strong now strike, and stout-hearted be.”
In one voice answered those admirable men,
“Death is their due, dare they to strike
The Riddermark’s riders, resolved and firm,
Against the angry and arrogant host
Fight we all firm and fierce our wrath”
Then raised they weapons, their radiant spears,
Glimmering in the gloom of gathering night,
To gate they marched the garrison proud,
And in dusk dreary, doughty they stood.
Immovable against marauding host
The splendid spears a steel wall
To face the foe that foul did come
Beneath their banner braying senseless
With gabbling gibes, grotesquely onward.
With easy disdain the dauntless men
Repulsed the ranks of raging woe-makers
The stones now scarlet, soaked in blood.
Though first the flood failed seemed,
Crashing continued the crushing wave,
Coming ceaseless, the swelling tide.
(Part two of probably four.)
