head to foot. These were composed of wood, bark, or leather
painted or embossed, and in the cases of the chiefs plated
with gold and silver. So large were these that in naval
encounters, if the fear of falling into the enemy's hands forced
them to throw themselves into the sea, they could float on
their shields; and after death in battle a soldier was carried
to his grave on his buckler. As they stood facing the Saxons
they locked their shields together so as to form a barrier
well-nigh impregnable against the arrows.

All wore helmets, the common men of leather, the leaders
of iron or copper, while many in addition wore coats of
mail. Each carried a sword, a battle-axe, and a bow and
arrows. Some of the swords were short and curled like a
scimitar; others were long and straight, and were wielded with
both hands. They wore their hair long and hanging down
their shoulders, and for the most part shaved their cheeks
and chins, but wore their moustaches very long.

They were, for the most, tall, lithe, and sinewy men, but
physically in no way superior to the Saxons, from whom they
differed very widely in complexion, the Saxons being fair
while the Danes were very dark, as much so as modern gypsies;
indeed, the Saxon historians speak of them as the black
pagans. Upon the other hand many of the Northmen, being
Scandinavians, were as fair as the Saxons themselves.

The Danes began the battle, those in front shouting
fiercely, and striking their swords on their shields with a
clashing noise, while the ranks behind shot a shower of arrows