longer, and were manlier, stouter, stronger, and taller, than man at
the present day."

Six score there were, six score and ten,
From Hald that rode that day;
And when they came to Brattingsborg
They pitch'd their pavilion gay.

King Nilaus stood on the turret's top,
Had all around in sight:
"Why hold those heroes their lives so cheap,
That it lists them here to fight?

"Now, hear me, Sivard Snaresvend;
Far hast thou rov'd, and wide,
Those warriors' weapons thou shalt prove,
To their tent thou must straightway ride."

It was Sivard Snaresvend,
To the broad tent speeded he then:
"I greet ye fair, in my master's name,
All, all, ye Dane king's men.

"Now, be not wroth that here I come;
I come as a warrior, free:
The battle together we soon will prove;
Let me your bearings see."

There stands upon the first good shield
A lion, so fierce and stark,