Warriors unnumbered warded the building As erst they did often: the ale-settle bared they, ’Twas covered all over with beds and pillows. Doomed unto death, down to his slumber Bowed then a beer-thane. Their battle-shields placed they, Bright-shining targets, up by their heads then; O’er the atheling on ale-bench ’twas easy to see there Battle-high helmet, burnie of ring-mail, And mighty war-spear. ’Twas the wont of that people To constantly keep them equipped for the battle, At home or marching⁠—in either condition⁠— At seasons just such as necessity ordered As best for their ruler; that people was worthy.