Saxo White Shield

7. 23. Hialti answered him:
‘Though I enjoy small support, I’m not far away;
here too, where we stand, help is needed; as never before
we require the might of a picked band of men, redoubtable
in battle. The hard sword edges and arrows have cut
my shield to splinters, now the ravenous steel has torn
off pieces and devoured them bit by bit in the mélée.
This scene is its own chief witness and testimony; report
gives way to sight, and the eye is more credible than the ear;
for the straps and pierced boss hewn around in a circle
are all that now remain of my shattered shield.
Are you strong now, Biarki, even though you hesitated
more than was right; will you redeem your delay by
forthrightness?’

7. 24. But Biarki retorted:
‘Haven’t you finished pestering and irritating me
with reproaches? There is more than one cause for delay.
I was lingering because I encountered a Swedish sword
which the vigorous thrust of a foe launched into my breast.
Whoever guided the hilt did not drive it frugally;
though I was armoured, it travelled as far as it would
through a bare and defenceless body, pierced the covering
of hard metal as if it were yielding water,
for the rough bulk of my breastplate afforded no help.

7. 25. But now, where is the one whom the people call Odin,
powerful in arms, content with a single eye?
Tell me, Ruta, is there anywhere you can spy him?’

7. 26. Ruta replied:
‘Bring your gaze nearer and look through my arms akimbo;
you must first hallow your eyes with the sign of victory
to recognize the war god safely face to face.’

7. 27. Then Biarki:
‘If I should set eyes on the fearsome husband of Frigg,
though he is protected by his white shield, and manoeuvres
his tall horse, he shall not go unhurt from Lejre;
it is right to lay low the warrior god in battle.

7. 28. Let a radiant doom overtake those who fall before
the face of their king. While life lasts may we strive
to perish with honour and our hands reap a fine end.
Struck down I shall die at the head of my slain leader,
while you will drop face-foremost at his feet,
so that one who views body on body may see
how we made return for the gold received from our master.
We shall be the carrion of ravens and nourish gluttonous
eagles, our bodies a banquet for birds of prey.
It is proper that jarls, though fearless in war, should fall,
and embrace their illustrious king in a common death.’

8. i. I have particularly composed this set of admonitory speeches in
metre because the same thoughts and arguments, arranged within the
compass of a Danish poem, are frequently recited from memory by
many who are conversant with ancient deeds.


- Gesta Danorum, Book II