Many were already gone, now others went at once.
But a few stayed, and to them I said like words as to Leof.
"Hither will the Danes come presently, but in no great force.

We may beat them back, and if we do, then maybe the bishop will fly.
But we shall more likely die with him." "Let us stand by him, come what will," they answered me in steady voices; "better to die with him and our king." They took their arms and gave me a sword, and we left the horses in the stable, for we might even yet need them.

I thought that we could maybe, as I said, beat off the first few Danes, and then that, to save further bloodshed, the bishop would go with us.

And if not, we had done our best.
Five men came with me to the ford.

When we were at the other side there were but four.