{Hnæf, the Danish general, is treacherously attacked while staying at
Finn's castle.}

"The Half-Danish hero, Hnæf of the Scyldings,
20 On the field of the Frisians was fated to perish.
Sure Hildeburg needed not mention approving
The faith of the Jutemen: though blameless entirely,

{Queen Hildeburg is not only wife of Finn, but a kinswoman of the murdered
Hnæf.}

When shields were shivered she was shorn of her darlings,
Of bairns and brothers: they bent to their fate
25 With war-spear wounded; woe was that woman.
Not causeless lamented the daughter of Hoce
The decree of the Wielder when morning-light came and
She was able 'neath heaven to behold the destruction
[38] Of brothers and bairns, where the brightest of earth-joys

{Finn's force is almost exterminated.}

30 She had hitherto had: all the henchmen of Finn
War had offtaken, save a handful remaining,
That he nowise was able to offer resistance[1]

{Hengest succeeds Hnæf as Danish general.}

To the onset of Hengest in the parley of battle,
Nor the wretched remnant to rescue in war from