1606.
“And clutching at my broadsword, I paid him back again
With blows that deeply wounded; so was the hero slain.
Amends therefore I’ll make thee, howe’er thou thinkest good.”
Then fell the two to wrangle: both were of stubborn mood.
1607.
“Full well I knew,” said Gelfrat, “that when this way did ride
Gunther and his retainers, much ill would us betide
Through Hagen, lord of Tronjé. Not hence alive goes he;
For my poor boatman’s murder he must the forfeit be.”
1608.
Above their bucklers bent they their lances for the thrust,
Sir Gelfrat and Sir Hagen; each at the other must.
Then Else, too, and Dankwart came riding gallantly,
To try each other’s mettle; the fight raged fiercely.
1609.
How otherwise might heroes more featly try their strength?
By a hard lance-thrust smitten Hagen the bold, at length,
From off his horse fell backwards, by Gelfrat’s hand laid low
His saddle-bow was broken and downfall he must know.
1610.
Among the yeomen’s lances arose a clashing sound.
Then up again rose Hagen, who, whilom on the ground
From Gelfrat’s blow, had fallen upon the meadow-grass.
His mood, methinks, to Gelfrat of sort ungentle was.
1611.
Who held in charge their horses, that is to me unknown;
The twain were now dismounted and on the sand stood down,—
Hagen, to wit, and Gelfrat, who at each other flew;
The folk of either aided — who of the combat knew.
