And he would not face him in battle, being loth to slay or be slain.
Now the men of Rüdiger’s war-band swarm up to meet their foes
After their lord undaunted; in the grapple of fight they close;
Keen armour-sundering weapons in mighty hands they wield;
Many a helmet cleave they, they hack through many a shield.
Then also the battle-weary flashed many a lightning stroke
Down on the men of Bechlaren: the unswerving edges broke
Deep through the strong-linked hauberks, yea, to the heart they won.
Of these in the storm of battle was many a marvel done.
Now in the hall were gathered all Rüdiger’s gallant array.