When they thus had spoken, the kings no more did rest

When they thus had spoken, the kings no more did rest, But sprang upon each other. If either got the best, To hold it was not easy; youths were forward pushing Under both the standards, and daring knights to help their lords were rushing.

A fearless king was Herwic, and long and bravely fought; But quickly Hartmut’s father the youthful Herwic smote, Till he began to stagger ’neath blows by Ludwig given, Who gladly would have slain him, or would from out his lands his foe have driven.

If Herwic’s faithful followers so near him had not been, And given help so quickly, never could he, I ween, Have freed himself from Ludwig, or left the field yet living; So well that aged warrior to make young Herwic dread him now was striving.

But help to him was granted, his life he did not lose; And, neither stunned nor wounded, he from his fall arose. Then to the roof quick turning, his eyes he now was raising, To see if, ’mongst the ladies, his heart’s beloved had on his fall been gazing.