Hengest bethought him
what he might do; he came to the king, with a hailing (salutation),
and drank to the king. Then thus spake Hengest, fairest of all knights
who lived of heathen law in those days: "Hearken to me now, lord king,
thou art to me dear through all things; thou hast my daughter, who is
to me very dear, and I am to thee among folk as if I were thy father.
Hearken to my instruction, it shall be to thee lief, for I wish
chiefly to help counsel thee. Thy court hate thee on my account, and I
am detested for thee, and thee hate kings, earls and thanes; they fare
in thy land with a host exceeding strong. If thou wilt avenge thee
with much worship, and do woe to thy enemies, send after my son Octa,
and after another, Ebissa, his wed-brother. These are the noblest men
that ever led army; and give them of thy land in the north end. They
are of mickle might, and strong in fight; they will defend thy land
well with the best; then mightest thou in joy thy life all spend, with
hawks and with hounds court-play love; needest thou never have care of
foreign people." Then answered Vortiger--of each evil he was
ware--"Send thy messengers into Saxland, after thy son Octa, and after
thy friends more.
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