So now I bid my sons, my mighty thanes,
To vanquish thee, his follower, in the fight.
Let javelin-point and arrow poison-dipped 1330
Pierce his doomed breast! Advance, ye bold of heart,
That ye may humble low this warrior's pride!"

Fierce-souled were they, and quickly rushed they on
With greedy hands; but God defended him,
Guiding him steadfast by His own strong might.
Soon as they recognized upon his face
The glorious token of Christ's holy cross,
They all were terrified in the attack,
Sorely afraid, thrown headlong into flight. 1340

The ancient fiend, the prisoner of hell,
Began once more to sing his mournful song:--
"What happened, O my warriors so bold,
My shield-companions, that ye fared so ill?"

An ill-starred wretch, a fiend of wicked heart,
Gave answer then, and to his father said:--
"We shall not quickly work him any harm,
Nor slay him by our wiles; go thou to him;
There wilt thou surely find a bitter fight,
A savage battle, if again thou dar'st 1350
To risk thy life against that lonely man.
Much better counsel in the play of swords
We easily can give thee, lord beloved:
Before thou shalt resort to open war
And battle-rush, see to it how thou fare