And spake the valiant hero: “Now who shall show us the way,
O valiant knights and stalwart, to the lairs of the woodland prey?”
“Let us sunder each from other,” spake Hagen unto the rest,
“Or ever in chase of the quarry thicket and glade we quest.
So shall I and my royal master make proof of you all, and say
Who hath most cunning in woodcraft of all this hunter-array.
Henchmen and hounds, we will part them, that each may take his share;
Then, whithersoe’er each listeth, alone let each man fare.
Who taketh the goodliest quarry, to him will we give the praise.”
Then short time tarried the heroes from tracking the wild-wood ways.