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Thus was carried on the game of the heroes in the Prince's hall, until the dancers stopped, as if by magic, in the position of fighters, two against two. Then began again the dance-song of the dancers, and making a solemn salute, they glided with slow steps away, and went in procession out of the hall. From the seats there sounded a storm of applause, the guests sprang up in ecstasy, and called out joyful thanks to the dancers.

A nobleman named Rothari, who was near the Prince, rose up, and began:

"I speak as I think; more skilful sword-play have my eyes never seen among other people, and we Thuringians are the most famous upon the earth for such skill. But lower down there, on the bench of the Prince, sits a stranger, powerful in warlike performances. And if I value him according to the capacity which he has shown this day, I would place his seat high among the strong. Yet the gods divide their gifts unequally; even a stranger who does not know his ancestors may become an honorable warrior. People say that the news of the Roman battle came first into our country from the Prince's house; and when I saw the stranger, I considered him as the messenger; but the throw of the club showed that he belonged to the East. I give the health of the guest in the hall."

Ingo rose and returned thanks. Then Theodulf called out aloud:

"I have seen many leap and swing on soft turf, who forgot higher leaps in the field of battle."

"Thou speakest right," replied Ingo, coldly; "yet jealousy gnaws the soul of many a one because he himself has not sprung highest on the turf."

"The man who bears scars on the front of his body, is esteemed more worthy of honor among us than a leaper," answered Theodolf.

"But I have learned from the old and wise that it is more glorious to give deep wounds than to bear them."

"Certainly the dignity becomes thee of a Chief before whom his retinue holds the shield against hostile spears, that his rosy countenance may endure for the pleasure of the people," retorted scornfully the Prince's man.

"And I have heard many a one who received a sword-stroke cluck over it like a hen over its egg," replied Ingo, contemptuously.

"The skirt conceals also unglorious wounds, the traces of strokes which have fallen on the back," exclaimed Theodolf, with flaming countenance.

"But I call the malicious tongue inglorious, which taunts the friendly guest in the hall. Methinks such speech is not honorable; false Roman customs do not become the Thuringian."

"Dost thou know so well the customs of the Romans?" called out from another table a wild warrior of Theodulf's kinsfolk; "then thou must also have felt their strokes."

"I have stood in fight against the Roman warriors," cried out Ingo, forgetting himself. "Ask in their camp after thy kinsman; not every one can give thee an answer who has been near my sword."

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