Then came a fencing-master, and began his craft to show

Then came a fencing-master, and began his craft to show To Wâ-te, the daring fighter; in him he found a foe Who fear for his life soon gave him. Wâ-te his onset parried, With all the skill of a fencer. The face of Fru-te the Dane a smile now carried.

To save himself, the teacher gave a spring as wide As doth an untamed leopard. Wâ-te his weapon plied, And in his hand it clattered, until the fire-sparks glistened Upon his foeman’s buckler; he well might thank the youth who to him had listened.

Then said the king, wild Hagen: “Give me the sword in hand. I will take a little pastime with him of the Sturmisch land; I will be his teacher, and he my four strokes be learning. He for this will thank me.” Soon was the king high praise from Wâ-te earning.

To him old Wâ-te answered: “A pledge I now must hear That I from you, great Hagen, no guile soe’er may fear; Should I by you be wounded, with ladies’ scorn shall I redden.” In the fight was Wâ-te nimble; such quickness to believe should none be bidden.