Women Singing

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
Look'd at them from Marraway;
Close and closer ranged they soon,
And the battle join'd at noon.

By Wellesbourne and Charlcote Lea
I heard a sound as of the sea:
Thirty thousand rushing men,
Twenty thousand met by ten;
Rang the shield and brake the shaft,
Tosty yell'd, Harcather laugh'd;
Thoro' Avon's waters red
Chased by ten the twenty fled.

By Charlcote ford and Wellesbourne
I saw the moon's pale face forlorn.
River flow'd and rushes sigh'd,
Wounded warriors groan'd and died;
Ella took his early rest,
The raven stood on his white breast;
Hoarsely in the dead man's ear
Raven whisper'd, 'Friend, good cheer!
Ere the winter pinch the crow
He that slew thee shall lie low.'

Heida sings:

Love ye wisely, love ye well;
Challenge then the gates of Hell!
Love and Truth can ride it out,
Come bridal song or battle shout.