The host laid strokes unnumbered upon the guest, who in his skill had trusted.
[365]
Many looked on gladly to see the strength of both.
To own the skill of Wâ-te the king was nothing loth;
He might have shown his anger, and brought no shame upon him.
Great was the strength of Wâ-te, but yet ’twas seen that Hagen had outdone him.
[366]
To the king then spake old Wâ-te: “Let each no favor show,
While we together struggle. Well have I learned from you
Your four strokes to be plying; my thanks be you now sharing.”