Then they all were busy, when thus old Wâ-te spoke

Then they all were busy, when thus old Wâ-te spoke; Soon their clothes and horses on board the ships they took. All the night still sailing, towards the land they hasted; And ere the morrow’s daylight, before the castle, on the sands they rested.

Hushed were all by Wâ-te, throughout the warlike band, As soon as they to rest them lay down upon the sand. To his water-weary followers leave for this was granted; Their shields about them spreading, on them they laid their heads, for sleep they wanted.

“Whoe’er to-morrow morning hopes to gain the fight Must not,” said the aged Wâ-te, “oversleep to-night. For the struggle now before us we hardly can be waiting; As soon as morning lightens, then, good knights, the foe must we be meeting.”

“Further I give you warning: whoe’er my horn shall hear Along the seashore sounded, soon as it meets his ear, Let him at once make ready the foeman to be meeting. When I shall blow at daybreak, no longer then may any there be waiting.

“When I again shall blow it, let each to this give heed; Quickly let his saddle be laid upon his steed. Let him then be waiting, till I see ’tis daylight fully, And the time has come for the onset; let none hang back, but meet the struggle truly.”

To do as Wâ-te bade them their word they gladly gave. How many a lovely woman did he of bliss bereave! For soon their dearest kindred unto death were wounded, Who now were only waiting until the horn in the early morning sounded.