[450]

The bold and daring Wâ-te from the sands had given a bound

Into a well-manned row-boat; loud did his mail resound,

As he, with fifty warriors, after Hilda hasted:

Hagen’s careless followers now must rouse themselves, no time they wasted.

[451]

Onward came King Hagen; his fighting-gear he wore,

And a heavy sword, the sharpest, he proudly with him bore;

But now the aged Wâ-te almost too long had waited;

Wild and grim was Hagen, and high his spear he raised ’gainst his foe belated.