I knew the men as two of Matelgar's housecarles, and that made it the sweeter to see them lie thus helpless before me.
I knew not if they were dead yet, but I would make sure.

So I leaned my staff against a tree, and drew the sharp seax from my belt.
Then came into my mind the words of my father, who would ever tell me that he is basest who would slay an unarmed foe, or smite a fallen man; and hastily I put back the seax again, lest I should be tempted to become base as men had said I was; for I hold treachery to be of the same nature as that of which my father warned me.
I took back my staff and leant on it, thinking, and looking at those men.

They were the first I had ever met in earnest, and this was the first proof of the skill in arms my father had spent long years in giving me.

So there crept over me a pride that I had met two and overcome them--and I unarmed, as we count it, against mail-clad men.
Then I thought that Herewulf, my father, would be proud of me could he see this.
And then, instantly, the shame of what had led to this swallowed up all my pride; and with that thought of my father's loved and honoured name, my hard heart was broken, and I leant my head against a tree, and wept bitterly.
One of the men stirred, and I sprang round hurriedly.

It was the second man, whose sword I had broken.