Page:A literal translation of the Saxon Chronicle.djvu/144

132 the Giver of Bracelets to the Nobles, and his brother Edmund the Atheling, the elder, the survivors of their race, the children of Edward, won lasting glory with the edge of the sword in battle at Brunanburh. They clave the wooden walls, they hewed down the tall banners, for it was the portion of their lineage, that oft in the field they should defend their lands, their treasures, their homes, against the enemy. The Scot and the Ship-man fell on every side—the din of arms resounded sith the sun in the morning tide rose glad over the earth, greatest of the stars, bright candle of God the Lord Eternal, till the noblest of things created sank in the west. There, struck down with darts, lay many a warrior, Northmen pierced over their shields—Scots the savages of war—The West Saxons, a chosen band, pressed the live-long day upon the hated people. Sternly they smote down the flying multitudes, with swords well sharpened at the stone. The Mercians shrank not from the hard play of hands.