I will make known my lineage to you all

Remember the speeches we bravely shared
At the meadhall tables – we boasted from the benches
That we would be heroes, hard-fighting in battle.
Now we'll see who's worthy of his vow,
Who'll back up his boast in the rush of battle.
I will make known my lineage to all of you:
I come from a mighty family of Mercians;
My grandfather was Ealhelm, a wise nobleman,
A lord and landowner.  My people at home
Will have no reason to reproach me for flight
From the battlefield, for seeking safety
and skulking home, now that Byrhtnoth
Lies broken in battle.  This is my greatest grief –
For he was both my kinsman and lord."
Then he went forth, his mind on vengeance,
Reaching a seafarer's heart with his spear,
Piercing that pirate's loathsome life.
He urged the troops on, his friends and comrades.

AND SO CAME THE DAY I LONG EXPECTED: THE AMERICANS, LIKE THE RAMPAGING PIRATES OF THE OLD ENGLISH POEM, MADE TO BREAK OUR KINSMAN AND LORD. Workmen – anonymous, imported from abroad as Lincoln did so much of …