This is a fair challenge--first, there is a private quarrel; next, there is emulation between these young men, who may fairly claim to be the champions of the youth of the two races.
Such a challenge the Saxon will hardly refuse." In accordance with the customs of the day it would have been impossible for Edmund to have refused such a challenge without disgrace, and he did not for a moment think of doing so.
"I am ready to fight Sweyn," he said.

"I have no great cause of quarrel with him; but if he conceives that he has grounds of quarrel with me, that is enough.

As to championship of the Saxons, we have no champions; we fight not for personal honour or glory, but for our homes, our countries, and our religion, each doing his best according to the strength God has given him, and without thought of pride on the one hand or envy on the other because the strength or courage of one may be somewhat greater than that of another.

Still, as a Saxon standing here as the only representative of my nation in an assembly of Northmen, I cannot refuse such a challenge, for to do so would be to infer that we Saxons are less brave than you.

Therefore I am ready for the combat." The Northmen clashed their weapons against their shields in token of their approval of the young Saxon's words, and the young champions prepared for the combat.