Then I heard the name of "Goldberga, Goldberga!" run down the English
line, and I saw Alsi shrink back into himself, as it were; and then some
Lincoln men close to him began to grow restless, and all at once they
lifted their helms and cheered also, and that cheer was taken up by all
the host, as it seemed, until the ring of hills seemed alive with
voices. And with that Alsi half turned his horse to fly.
Yet his men did not mean to leave him. It was but the hailing of the
lady whom they knew, and her coming thus was more than the simple
warriors had wit or mind to fathom. But now Goldberga held up her hand,
and the cries ceased, and silence came. Then she lifted her voice, clear
as a silver bell, and said, "It seems strange to me that English folk
should be fighting against me and my husband's men who have brought me
home. I would know the meaning of this, King Alsi, for it would seem
that your oath to my father is badly kept. Maybe I have thought that the
people would not have me in his place; but their voice does not ring in
those shouts, for which I thank them with all my heart, as if they hated
me. Now, therefore, I myself ask that my guardian will give up to me
that which is my own."
We held our peace, but a hum of talk went all through the English ranks.
The Earl of Chester sat down on the bank, and set his sword across his
knees, and began to tie the peace strings round the hilt, in token that
he was going to fight no more.
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