182.
On the foe’s side a warrior had to the front been sent,
Who on his guard stood ready, watchful and diligent.
The hero Siegfried saw him, and the bold man saw him:
And each did watch the other, with jealous hate and grim.
183.
I’ll tell you who it was, who thus sentinel did stand:
(A shining shield of red gold was hanging on his hand,)
King Ludegast it was who his army thus did guard,—
The noble guest spurred forward to meet him on the sward.
184.
King Ludegast had also his enemy espied,
And each sharp spurs had driven into his stallion’s side,
With lances on the shields bent each charged with all his might,
And Ludegast the mighty was soon in sorry plight.
185.
After the crash, the chargers bore the two princes by,
As if a mighty storm-wind had blown them furiously,
Till each, the rein obeying, was turned in knightly way;
Then did the two grim foemen with swords their skill essay.
186.
The mighty strokes of Siegfried made all the field resound,
Until King Lud’gast’s helmet seemed flaming all around,—
The fire-red sparks shot upwards beneath the hero’s hand,
Each knight found in his fellow a foeman worth his brand.
187.
King Lud’gast dealt him also right many an ugly blow:
Their good shields caught the sword-thrusts, that else had laid
them low.
Of Lud’gast’s warriors, thirty were witness of the fray.
But, ere they came to aid him, Siegfried had gained the day.
