In the battle’s heart close-grappling were Saxon and Lowland king,
And over their helm-crests ever did many a javelin sing;
Through glittering bucklers pierced they from the hands of heroes sped,
Till many a goodly shield-rim dripped with the life-stream red.
Mid the surges of battle-tempest sank many a good knight slain
From his steed to the earth: yet ever they clashed, those terrible twain
Hurling together, Siegfried and Lüdiger the king,
’Neath the splintered staves upsoaring and the javelins’ eager wing.
Lo, the sweep of the sword of Siegfried hath severed the King’s shield-band!
Now seeth the Netherland hero the victory hard at hand