Just at the hour came Ludwig, with his Norman knights, as the fight was now beginning.
[784]
Much the women sorrowed as Ludwig nearer rode:
The banners o’er them floating well and proudly showed
The fearless foe oncoming; beneath each standard flocking,
Three thousand now came boldly, tho’ sad on their homeward way they might yet be looking.
[785]
Before the walls beleaguered the guards were a busy band:
Never hardier fighters were seen in any land
Than were the faithful warders in Hettel’s castle dwelling;