Better known as 'The Fragment', what follows is a translation of all that is left of an (apparently) 5th century anglo-saxon lay that describes a saxon hero, Hengest. This may very well be the same Hengest who led the first Germanic invasion of Britain, and if so probably did so shortly after the events described below. You may be interested to note that this particular translation was made by the Oxford scholar, J.R.R. Tolkien.

Hnæf spoke, the warlike young king: "Neither is this the dawn from the east, nor is a dragon flying here, nor are the gables of this hall aflame; nay, mortal enemies approach in ready armour. Birds are crying, wolf is yelping; spear clashes, shield answers shaft. Now that this moon shines, wandering behind the clouds, woeful deeds are beginning, that will bring to a bitter end this well-known enmity in the people. Awaken now, my warriors! Grasp your coats of mail, think of deeds of valour, bear yourselves proudly, be resolute!"

When many a valiant retainer decked in gold rose and buckled on his sword, to the doorway went the noble warriors Sigeferth and Eaha, drawing their swords, and at the other doorway were Ordlaf and Guthlaf; and Hengest himself was at their heels. Still Guthere was exhorting Garulf that in his armour he should not risk so precious a life in the first attack on the hall-door, now that a hardy warrior was ready to take it away; but openly the valiant hero cried above the clamour, asking who was holding that door. "My name is Sigefirth," said he, "I am a prince of the Secgan, a well-known adventurer; many old woes and bitter battles have I experienced; and here there is appointed for you whatever fate you wish to seek from me."