The Last of the Vikings

t bringer of

sing office;

after as a

olling a depa

espe

n order to eject our rightful Saxon king, Harold, from the throne, and ere long we may have these Norman knights tilting through the ranks of our simple yeomen, who are unuse

st Saxon broadsword is a match for any weapon, I warrant you. As for this new-fangled Norman joust, as they call it, why I despise it. Playing at war, with women l

vour not to 'simper and whimper about' if it annoys you. But you men folk can find nothing better to do t

our fair cousin Ethel shall b

h your Norman fooleries. But I'll humour you in your folly for the sake

a circle, mimicking the gallantry of the Normans, displaying the paces of his charger and his skill in horsemanship. As he passed Ethel, in mock seriousness he dipped the point of his lance in salutation of her as queen of beauty. Ethel endeavoured to disguise it,

n, cried to them, "Will you remember this is but play, and see you two don't come to blows in good earnest? for I know by experience that brother Beow

asting hogsflesh, than wagging your tongue in the presence of men." Then, turning to his friend and com

mind animated the pair. Beowulf was rather older, bulkier in build, and better set up, being twenty-three. But he cherished a deep-rooted aversion and contempt of the Norman leaven which had been stealing

nd especially you, Beowulf, don't get mad and

icoated jades like you should be when weapons are about," said Beowulf. "Now, come o

fectly that Beowulf found no opportunity of striking him squarely. The rough knocks which he receives, and his want of skill, are most exasperating to Beowulf, especially so when at last by a skilful man?uvre

e you quits with a better weapon!" and aw

ald, you have driven Beowulf mad, as I thought you would. If I may use his not very complimentary term, I would say, Will you, to please a jade li

rked, "It is well advised, my bright-eyed little dame; I do belie

val. The quick-witted and irrepressible Ethel noticed this at once, and she banteringly called out to h

swald pushed me out of the saddle. When I've dealt with him, I'll give yo

brother Beowulf, for your good intentions; but haven't I tol

rage; but Ethel turned and fled like a gazelle, and Beowulf knew by past experience tha

clearly second best. So Beowulf's good humour was completely restored when Ethel pronounced Oswald victor

k of using an ash sapling to a young lady! Yo

p teasing me I shall do something to y

f, I know better than that," said

ed by iron bands and bolts. In the large hall there was set a long table down the centre, loaded with viands and large jugs of ale. Down each side of the hall also there were side tables, where the housecarles and villeins fed. But the centre table was reserved for guests, and the more favoured retainers of the thane. A glance round the hall to

me a greatly privileged object of his affection. On his left sat Oswald, son of a Saxon chieftain who had ext

-day, Ethel girl," said the grizzled

nt, and Master Oswald then, to his shame, never spoke a word in my favour, so I must needs p

hy tongue," he continued, stroking her fair hair. "He means thee well. He is honest, is Beowulf, and brave too. He will

ldom sat at the thane's table any guest afflicted with a squeamish appetite. So beef, veni

rew near and whispered to the thane that Saxon runners had

" said the thane; "and truly, if they rule w

our message, gallant fellows, that will not tarry till we have fed, and ye yo

men-at-arms, to repair to him at York instantly; for the Danes be landed in the Humber under King Hardrada. Also, Count Willia

overladen mountain torrents join their forces in one pent-up little burn, there follows desolation

But the men of my household-my son, my retainers and vassals-most of us come of viking stock; and it

shout of approval g

re aught we have of goods or cattle; or even our lives. So in this

The guests withdrew, to meet again within a week to do battle with the Danes at Sta