As he stood there for combat ready, behold, in the morning light, Three knights rode into the clearing, in glittering armour bright; From head to foot were they armèd, each one on his gallant steed, And the lad as he saw their glory thought each one a god indeed! 140 No longer he stood defiant, but knelt low upon his knee, And cried, 'God, Who helpest all men, I pray Thee have thought for me!' Then wroth was the foremost rider as the lad barred his further way, And he spake out, 'This stupid _Waleis_ will hinder our work to-day!' (Now here would I give to the Waleis the fame we Bavarians hold; 145 They are duller than e'en our people, yet manly in strife and bold. And in sooth were one born in both countries such marvel of strength and skill Would he hide in himself that I think me their fame he might well fulfil!) Then there rode swift with hanging bridle, in costly harness dight, With plumed and jewelled helmet another gallant knight; 150 Swiftly he came as thirsting to challenge in mortal fight The foe who sped far before him, who had done him a sore despite; For two knights from out his kingdom a maiden had borne away, And he held it a deed most shameful and one he must needs repay; For the maiden's sorrow grieved him, and fain would he ease her pain: 155 (And the three knights who rode before him were part of his warlike train.) He rode a Spanish war-horse, and his shield had fierce conflict seen, And Karnachkarnanz did they call him (he was Ulterleg's count I ween). Then he cried to his knights, 'Why loiter? who barreth our onward way?' And straight on the lad did he ride there, who deemed him a god alway, 160 For ne'er had he seen such glory; his harness shone fair with dew, And on either foot the stirrups with golden bells rang true. And their length was e'en as fitting, and with bells did each strong arm ring, As he stirred himself, or his sword-blade in battle aloft would swing. And the hero was swift in seeking the guerdon of knightly prize, 165 So he rode here, the prince, and had decked him in a fair and wondrous wise.