THE SCENE: The early history of the Saxons is written in blood. Even in histories written by Saxon writers – like the passage below in which they decide to violate a truce – they come across as dishonorable, ruthless, and bloodthirsty.
THE TEXT: There was in the camp at that time a certain one of the veteran soldiers, already somewhat older, but still vigorous even in advancing old age. Taking into his hands a standards that was held sacred among them, marked with the likeness of a lion and a dragon and an eagle swooping from above, he spoke as follows: “We shall advance against a careless enemy, to slaughter, and not to battle! For our adversaries suspect nothing, by reason of the peace that has been proclaimed and by reason of our severe wounds; they are still fatigued from today’s battle, and they remain without fear, without sentries, and without their usual military guard. Let us therefore rush upon them while they are unprepared and buried in sleep: the effort is slight. Follow me as your leader, and I will yield you my grey head if things do not turn out as I say”.
Stirred by his brave words, they spent what remained of the day in refreshing their bodies; then at a given signal, during the first watch of the night when a heavier slumber usually enwraps mankind, they snatched up their arms and following their leader burst over the walls, and finding them without sentries or guards entered the city itself, making a deafening noise.
Their enemies were aroused by the clamor, and while some sought safety in flight, others wandered through the streets and long the walls of the city like drunken men, while still others rushed into the arms of the Saxons, thinking them to be their own citizens. All the adults were put to death, while the young boys were kept as booty. That night was filled with cries, with murder and rapine, until the red dawn arose and declared a bloodless victory.
– The Deeds of the Saxons, Widukind of Corvey, 10th Century AD
