The warriors were blithe,
Courageous in mind; queen joyed in her journey.
After to haven the ringed-prowed
O'er the sea-fastness had finished their course
To the land of the Greeks, they let the keels 250
At the shore of the sea beat by the breakers,
The old sea-dwellings at anchor fast,
On the water await the fate of the heroes,
When the warlike queen with her band of men
Over the east-ways should seek them again. 255
There was on [each] earl easily seen
The braided byrnie and tested sword,
Glittering war-weeds, many a helmet,
Beautiful boar-sign. The spear-warriors were,
Men 'round victor-queen, prepared for the march, 260
Brave war-heroes. They marched with joy
Into land of the Greeks, the Caesar's heralds,
Battle-warriors with armor protected.
There was to be seen treasure-gem set
'Mid that army-host, gift of their lord. 265
[Then] was the blessed Helena mindful,
Bold in her thought, of the prince's will,
Eager in mind, in that she of the Jews,
O'er the army-fields with tested band
Of warriors-with-shields, the land was seeking, 270
With host of men; so it after befell
In little while that that force of men,
War-famed heroes, to Hierusalem[5]
Came to the city the greatest of crowds,
Spear-famed earls, with the noble queen.
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