Then the door was thrown open and a man entered, heated and breathless, crying: "The Danes--they are on our men again!" Then Osric flushed red, and his eyes sparkled, and he bid the thanes who crowded after the messenger get to horse and sound the assembly at once to go to the assistance of those who were yet on the hill.
And yet he turned to me when this was said, and took my hand again.
"Get your lady in safety to Glastonbury, where Ealhstan the Bishop is.

I will care for the nuns if need be.

Take this ring of mine and show it to him, and then ride with it to Eanulf the Ealdorman and tell him of our straits.

The words I leave to you, who have done better than all of us today." Then he took helm and sword from one who brought them in haste, and armed himself, while I, putting the ring he had given me on my finger, yet stood beside him.

When he was armed he turned sharply to me.
"You want to fight again," he said.