No more a truce was thought of by Wâ-te and the king

No more a truce was thought of by Wâ-te and the king; With strokes that loud were crashing, the hall began to ring. Harder blows than ever they gave, as now they battled; All their thrusts were sudden; the knobs upon their swords snapped off and rattled.

The two sat down to rest them; then Hagen said to his guest: “You fain would be a learner, but you in truth are the best That ever I was teaching the skill that the foeman dazes. Wherever you are fighting, you in the field will win most worthy praises.”

Then to the king spake Irold: “My lord, the strife is done That you so well were waging; such fights have we seen won, In the land of our king and master. Oft, at home, we freely Try our skill with weapons; knights and squires there meet in matches daily.”

Then again spoke Hagen: “Did I this understand, I never a fighting weapon had taken in my hand. No youth have I ever met with who was so quick at learning.” When to these words they listened, the face of many a one to smiles was turning.

Now by the king ’twas granted to his guests to pass the day As they might all be choosing. Glad of this were they, The men from out the Northland. When the hours grew weary, They vied huge stones in hurling; or else in shooting arrows made them merry.