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(From Edwin the Fair)
BY Wellesbourne and Charlcote ford | |
| At break of day I saw a sword. | |
| Wessex warriors, rank by rank, | |
| Rose on Avon’s hither bank; | |
| Mercia’s men in fair array | 5 |
| Looked at them from Marraway; | |
| Close and closer ranged they soon, | |
| And the battle joined at noon. | |
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| By Wellesbourne and Charlcote Lea | |
| I heard a sound as of the sea; | 10 |
| Thirty thousand rushing men, | |
| Twenty thousand met by ten; | |
| Rang the shield and brake the shaft, | |
| Tosty yelled, Harcather laughed; | |
| Thorough Avon’s waters red | 15 |
| Chased by ten the twenty fled. | |
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| By Charlcote ford and Wellesbourne | |
| I saw the moon’s pale face forlorn, | |
| River flowed and rushes sighed, | |
| Wounded warriors groaned and died. | 20 |
| Ella took his early rest, | |
| The raven stood on his white breast; | |
| Hoarsely in the dead man’s ear | |
| Raven whispered, “Friend, good cheer! | |
| Ere the winter pinch the crow | 25 |
| He that slew thee shall lie low.” | |
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