XXXIX.

A grievous descent was made in front of the extended riches, {138b} But the army turned aside, with trailing {138c} shields, And those shields were shivered before the herd of the roaring Beli. {138d} A dwarf from the bloody field hastened to the fence; {139a} And on our side there came a hoary headed man, our chief counsellor, {139b} Mounted on a prancing iebald psteed, and wearing the golden chain. The Boar {139c} proposed a compact in front of the course--the great plotter; Right worthy {139d} was the shout of our refusal, And we cried "Let heaven be our protection, Let his compact be that he should be prostrated by the spear in battle, {139e} Our warriors, in respect of their far famed fosse, {139f} Would not quarrel if a host were there to press the ground."