Upon receiving this blunt words
The Earl revealed himself,
And catching sight of Hereward,
Urgently told his men that they should,
Leap in and swim as fast as they could,
And with wild gestures compelled.

‘Avenge my brother’s death,’ he cried,
‘Relieve my boiling heart!’
‘No chance!’ their fast retort was fired,
‘His plan gives us that part’

‘He seeks to lure us across the water,
Into his waiting hands,
And there our doom, our death, our slaughter,
Awaits; this is his plan.’

Warenne’s men refuse to follow the Earl’s orders.
(08.09.26)

© Ben Quant 2026