They boarded fast, the boat was full, Hard rowed the young man then for shore: But after just the first stroke's pull, He found he held a broken oar. Without control the ferry tossed, Downriver drove the torrent's swirl. The people knew that all was lost, With death before their eyes awhirl. Bearslayer did not pause to scheme, But straight away rowed with his hand; And, thrusting strong against the stream, Their course directed to the land. Across the Daugava's waves they fought And reached the other side at length!- The people were by wonder caught, And praised Bearslayer's mighty strength. A young man on the bank paid heed, Who from the forest hauled a tree. He saw Bearslayer's mighty deed And to the hero thus spoke free: "Here as 'Koknesis' I am known, 'The mighty youth' is how I'm called, For from the woods, I have alone Great logs upon my shoulder hauled." "To build a fortress here we work, Where Perse in the Daugava flows; A refuge strong when dangers lurk, To save us from our many foes." Bearslayer made a friendly bow And told the youth his own great name, To Aizkraukle that he went now, And what the purpose why he came. They soon were friends and made a rule, With him Koknesis too would ride; The two in Burtnieks's school Would learn great wisdom side by side. Spidala swears revenge, but they reach Burtnieks When Spidala the next day saw Bearslayer healthy in full view Approaching close her castle's door, It can be thought what fear she knew. She asked her father that alone The coming guests he would receive, And since her heart was heavy grown, To her own chamber she would cleave. Bearslayer too had no more use To meet false Spidala once more, And so he made a good excuse, When Aizkrauklis threw wide the door: His journey hence had known delay, And to depart was now his whim; The forests had concealed his way, Until Koknesis rescued him. Old Aizkrauklis had different views: Bearslayer was a welcome sight. His wish had been to send forth news To Lielvarde of his plight. And so disturbed he stared back hard, But brought out, at the youth's behest, His saddled colt into the yard, And sent him forth upon his quest. False Spidala watched with a glare And in her eyes a madness grew: "Ride to the east," she threatened there, "And my revenge will follow you!"- Next evening they arrived at dusk In Burtnieks's learnèd court, Where he received them asking brusque, From whence they came and what they sought. The young men told him of their need, His father's words Bearslayer passed; With friendship Burtnieks agreed- They were his pupils now at last! CANTO III BEARSLAYER AND LAIMDOTA ARE BETRAYED Scene 1: Kangars and Spidala combine against Bearslayer Kangars learns that Bearslayer was in the Devil's Pit