They rode with Siegfried like good knights. None from the Rhine kept
pace with him. By reason of Siegfried's hand streams of blood ran from
bright helmets, till that he lit on Ludgast amidst of his men. Thrice he
pierced through the army of the Saxons, and thrice returned. Hagen, by
this time, was come up with him, that helped him in his quest. They slew
many a brave knight.

When bold Ludger found Siegfried with Balmung, the good sword, swung
aloft, wherewith he made a mighty slaughter, he was wroth, and of his
mood full grim. With a fierce rush and clash of swords the warriors
came together. So exceeding furious was their onset that the host gave
way. Terrible was their hate. The Saxon king knew well that his brother
was taken captive, and he was wroth thereat; but he knew it not for
Siegfried's work till now. They had blamed Gernot. Now he found out the
truth. Ludger smote so hard that Siegfried's horse reeled under him.
But when he was come to, Siegfried was more terrible than afore. Hagen
and Gernot, Dankwart and Folker, stood by him. The dead lay in heaps.
Sindolt and Hunolt and Ortwin the knight slew many in the strife. The
princes held together in the fray. Bright spears in the hands of heroes
flashed above the helmets, that clave the shining bucklers in twain.
Many a massy shield was red with blood. In the fierce encounter many men
fell from their horses. Bold Siegfried and King Ludger strove together,
and lances whizzed, and sharp spears. Ludger's shield-plate flew off
through the strength of Siegfried's hand. Then the hero of the
Netherland thought to have gotten the victory over the Saxons that were
hard pressed. Ha! what polished bucklers doughty Dankwart brake!

Of a sudden Ludger espied a crown that was painted on Siegfried's shield,
and he knew the mighty man, and cried aloud to his friends, "Forbear, my
men all. I have seen the son of Siegmund, even bold Siegfried. The