Sprang the aged Wâ-te, just as they were nearing;

His mood was of the grimmest, and soon they saw what mind he now was bearing.

[863]

Ludwig, king of the Normans, then at Wâ-te ran,

And hurled a spear well sharpened against the brave old man.

The shaft, in splinters shattered, high thro’ air went crashing,

For Ludwig drove it bravely; soon to the fight came Wâ-te’s kinsmen dashing.

[864]

With a heavy stroke, old Wâ-te Ludwig’s helmet cut;

The edge of the sword he wielded the head of his foeman smote,