For the counsel must be Wulfhere's, and the coolness Wislac's, and the rest Heregar's, who will by no means bide that we run away.

Now, I think that you three will make a good leader of me." On that we thanked him for his words, and we followed him out to the hall.

And there the thanes shouted and cheered as he came, and still more when he prayed them to follow him to victory or a warrior's death.
And that they swore to do, not loudly, but in such sort that none could mistake that they would surely do so.
Then he bade them muster their men by the first light in the morning, and so he would lead them first of all to Brent, to join the ealdorman.
And Osric should be his second in command.
That pleased all, and soon we were left alone with him again, but we could hear outside the cheering of men now and then, as some thane gathered his following and told them the name of their leader.
So we three went out presently and saw to our horses, and then I was wondering about arms for Dudda, for I had left the matter too long, and it seemed there were few weapons remaining for sale in the town by reason of men of the levy buying or borrowing what they lacked in equipment.

And the poor fellow hung about sadly, thinking he should find none in the end, and swearing he would follow me even had he naught but a quarterstaff in his hand.
But when we went back to the abbey, the bishop sent for us, and we were taken into a room we had not seen before, and there on the table were laid out three suits of mail, helmets, and arms.
"Now," said Ealhstan, as he saw our eyes go, as a man's eyes will, straight to these things, "if you thanes are not too proud to accept such as I can give, let me arm you, and tell you where you shall bear these arms." And that was what we longed for, for as yet we had no post in the levy, and we told him as much.
"That is well," he answered.

"See, Wislac, here is bright steel armour and helm and shield for you.