We now must leave them fighting as bravely as they will

We now must leave them fighting as bravely as they will. Who the day was winning, or whom his foe did kill, Before King Ludwig’s castle, none could yet be saying. Grimly strove the Normans; their foes, not less, for fame were strength outlaying.

Of all that there befell them none may ever tell; But ’tis not yet forgotten that many a knight there fell. On every side were sword-blades heard together ringing; Foemen all were mingled, the slow with those who quick in fight were springing.

Wâ-te stood not idle, that can I well believe. He bade farewell to many, nor longer let them live; Cut down by him in the struggle, were they before him lying. Fain were Hartmut’s kinsmen to wreak their wrath for friends who there were dying.

Now came Herwic nearer, so the tale is told, And led against King Ludwig many a champion bold. He saw that aged warrior his weapons bravely bearing, Where he with all his liegemen, a wondrous host of foes beat down, unsparing.

Herwic called out loudly: “Can any one now tell Who is that fighting graybeard, who all his foes doth fell? Deepest wounds for many there his hand is hewing, With bravery so fearless: women in tears will this erelong be ruing.”

When this was heard by Ludwig, outspoke that Norman foe: “Who in the midst of battle seeks my name to know? I bear the name of Ludwig: for Normandy I’m fighting; Could I but meet my foemen, them indeed would I be sorely smiting.”

Then spake to him King Herwic: “This thou well dost earn: Seeing thou art Ludwig, with hate for thee I burn. For us, upon the sand-drifts, many knights thou wast slaying: Thou slewest Hettel also; a warrior brave was he, beyond all saying.

“Still further thou hast wronged us, before thy day was done: For this we still are mourning. I for my loss have known Heart-heaviness and sorrow: thou hast my lady stolen From me upon the Wulpensand; and many knights for her in death have fallen.

“I bear the name of Herwic: thou hast taken my hoped-for wife, And again to me must give her; else to give his life, With that of many a liegeman, must one of us be willing.” Then King Ludwig answered: “Too boldly thou in my land in threats art dealing.