But now it was not motionless, but moved ever towards the ships, going backward steadily.
Round it went Osric and his men: but into it they could not break.

For the Danes hewed the ash shafts of the spears, and near them no horse might live, for their axes would shear through man and horse alike.
Then Ealhstan shouted to Osric, bidding us stand.

And right glad were we to do this, while ever the Danes shrank away from us.
"Trapped they are, Sheriff," said Ealhstan, when Osric rode up to him, bearing still a headless spear.

"Let them bide till Eanulf comes.

None can reach the ships." "He is hard behind me with all the levy," said Osric.