Then he went quickly back to the town and plunged into the densest of the fray, mowing down the opposing ranks as he gave blow for blow.

Passing the sleeping-room of Bjarke, who was still slumbering, he bade him wake up, addressing him as follows: "Let him awake speedily, whoso showeth himself by service or avoweth himself in mere loyalty, a friend of the king! Let the princes shake off slumber, let shameless lethargy begone; let their spirits awake and warm to the work; each man's own right hand shall either give him to glory, or steep him in sluggard shame; and this night shall be either end or vengeance of our woes.
"I do not now bid ye learn the sports of maidens, nor stroke soft cheeks, nor give sweet kisses to the bride and press the slender breasts, nor desire the flowing wine and chafe the soft thigh and cast eyes upon snowy arms.

I call you out to the sterner fray of War.

We need the battle, and not light love; nerveless languor has no business here: our need calls for battles.

Whoso cherishes friendship for the king, let him take up arms.