(ll. 1960-1972) Then, as I have heard, Chedorlaomer, king of the
Elamires, a bold folk-captain, marshalled an army, and Amraphel
of Shinar and a mighty host were joined with him. Four kings
with a great multitude departed into the south against Sodom and
Gomorrah. And all the land about Jordan was overrun with armed
men and hostile bands. Many a trembling maiden, pale with fear,
must needs endure a foe's embrace. Many a warrior perished, sick
with wounds, guarding their wives and treasure.
(ll. 1973-1989) Against them from the south five kings went forth
to war with battle-hosts and marching squadrons. Fain would they
guard the city of Sodom against the foe. Twelve winters long
that folk had given toll and tribute to the Northmen, and would
no more enrich the lord of Elam with their treasure, but they
rebelled against him. Onward the hosts advanced, intent on
death. (Loud sang the javelins.) Amid the spears the blackbird,
dewy-feathered, croaked in hope of carrion. In multitudes, with
steadfast hearts, the warriors hastened till the hosts were
gathered from afar, from south and north, helmeted men.
(ll. 1989-2003) Then was hard hand-play; crashing of weapons,
storming of death-darts, tumult of battle. From out the sheaths
men snatched their ring-decked, keen-edged swords. There might
an earl have his fill of fighting, whoso was not yet sated with
war. The Northmen smote the people of the south. In the shock
of shields the men of Sodom and Gomorrah, dispensers of gold,
lost many a well-loved comrade. And they fled away from the
place of battle and saved their lives. Behind them, slain with
spears and smitten with the swordedge, their well-loved comrades,
sons of princes, fell in death.
(ll. 2003-2017) And the lord of Elam had the victory, and held
the place of battle; and those who escaped the sword fled away to
seek a stronghold. The foemen took their gold and sacked their
splendid treasure-cities, Sodom and Gomorrah. Women were torn
from their sheltering homes, widow and maid, bereft of friends.
And the foe led Abraham's kinsman captive out of the city of
Sodom, with all his substance. But truly may we tell these war
wolves' fate after the battle, boasting their victory, leading
Lot captive away, and with him the goods of the people and gold
of the Southmen.