My men shouted as they struck, in our Norse way; but a deadly silence fell on the Saxons, and I thought that, as they grew quiet, their blows became ever more stern and fell, until at last even Hubba's vikings gave way before the hard-set faces and steadfast eyes of the west-country spearmen, whom no numbers seemed to daunt, and they drew back from us for a space.
Then we were clear of them, and at once Ethelnoth closed in on the king, taking his horse's rein, and praying him to fly to Bridgwater, where a stand could be made.

And at last he persuaded him, and they turned.

Then fearing that this might set the example for general flight, I spoke to Odda, and we shouted to the men to stand fast and hold back pursuit; and so a guard of some fifty thanes went with Alfred, and we faced the Danes even yet.
They saw what was done, and roared, and charged on us; and we began to retreat slowly, fighting all the way, up the long slope of land towards the fort.

But I saw Heregar's horse rear and fall, and the banner went down, and I thought him slain in that attack.
Presently they let us go.

We won ever to better ground, and they had to fight uphill; and then we gained the fort, and there they durst not come.
Then rode towards me a man in silver armour that was dinted and hacked--shieldless, and with a notched sword in his hand.