Armed to guard the castle were a hundred men or more;

Hettel himself fought boldly, goodwill for this he bore.

His lieges all were doughty, but yet they could not save him;

Hard were the blows for Hettel, that in the fight the brave young Herwic gave him.

[644]

Upon his foeman’s helmet whizzing blasts, fire-hot,

Were struck by the daring Herwic. The many blows he smote

Gu-drun now saw with wonder, her eyes upon him feeding:

He seemed a knight most worthy, and love she felt, e’en though her heart was bleeding.

[645]