And arrows swift and many from the well-bent bow he shot.

Alas! he did not hit him; what hope of his ill-luck turning?

Then he of the sword bethought him; he heard the maids bewailing him and mourning.

[93]

Tho’ his years were not yet many, he still was brave enough;

A wing from the angry griffin he struck at the shoulder off,

And in the leg he smote him a heavier blow and stronger;

So that his wounded body the bird away from the spot could drag no longer.

[94]

The boy was now the winner; one of his foes lay dead;