Page:Gummere (1909) The Oldest English Epic.djvu/166

150 defied no more those fighting-wanderers nor hoped from the seamen to save his hoard, his bairn and his bride: so he bent him again, old, to his earth-walls. Yet after him came with slaughter for Swedes the standards of Hygelac o’er peaceful plains in pride advancing, till Hrethelings fought in the fencéd town. Then Ongentheow with edge of sword, the hoary-bearded, was held at bay, and the folk-king there was forced to suffer Eofor’s anger. In ire, at the king Wulf Wonreding with weapon struck; and the chieftain’s blood, for that blow, in streams flowed ’neath his hair. No fear felt he, stout old Scylfing, but straightway repaid in better bargain that bitter stroke and faced his foe with fell intent. Nor swift enough was the son of Wonred answer to render the agéd chief; too soon on his head the helm was cloven; blood-bedecked he bowed to earth, and fell adown: not doomed was he yet, and well he waxed, though the wound was sore. Then the hardy Hygelac-thane, when his brother fell, with broad brand smote, giants’-sword crashing through giants’-helm