And the Earl
Aldolf shall be our chief, and we shall obey him, as if he were the
king; and so we shall with right with Gorlois fight, and if he will
speak with us, and yearn this king's peace, set amity with soothfast
oath, then may we with worship go hence; then our underlings will have
no upbraidings, that we for any timidity hence fled." All the
nation-folk praised this same counsel. Trumpets they blew, and
assembled their host; up they heaved the Dragon, by each standard
unmatched; there was many a bold man, that hung shield on shoulder,
many a keen thane, and proceeded to the castle, where Gorlois was
within, with his keen men. He caused trumpets to be blown, and his
host to assemble; they leapt on steed, knights gan to ride. These
knights were exceeding active, and went out at the gate; together they
came soon, and quickly they attacked, fell the fated men, the ground
they sought; there was much blood shed, harm was among the folk;
amidst the fight full certainly men slew the Earl Gorlois. Then gan
his men to flee, and the others to pursue after, they came to the
castle, and within they thrust.
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