Page:Gummere (1909) The Oldest English Epic.djvu/193

Rh Most infamous were he of East-Goth folk who should keep thee from combat so keenly desired, from fight with foe! Let the fated one try whether now his trappings be taken from him, or both of these breast-plates he boast as his own.”

Charging with ash-spears, clashed they first, with sharpest shafts the shields that clove. Then strode to the struggle those sturdy-warriors, hewed in hate on the white-faced shields, until both of the lindens little grew, all worn with weapons. . ..