That you may know too truly, as I see already well

“That you may know too truly, as I see already well; Friends we must lose full many. Howe’er it so befell, Before the outer gateway already see I waving The Moorland foeman’s banner; lest they get in, a care must you be having.

“Near to the second gateway I see yet other foes: I saw Lord Ortwin’s banner, as on the breeze it rose. Gu-drun’s young brother is he; fair women’s smiles he’s seeking: Ere he shall cool his anger, beneath his blows will helmets yet be breaking.

“Now see I, too, brave Herwic, before the third gate there; With him seven thousand followers upon the field are near. He comes in guise most knightly, to win his own heart’s lady; On him are gazing gladly the fair Gu-drun, and many maids already.

“To hasten back to my castle, the thought too late has come. I know not where, with my warriors, now to seek a home. I see the stern old Wâ-te before the fourth gate fighting; My many friends in the castle, I fear indeed must long for us be waiting.

“Fly from here I cannot; no wings for this have I; Nor in the earth can hide me, whatever else I try. Neither from the foeman to the waves can we be turning: Now, in our lot so wretched, what best it is to do from me be learning.