For of the broken shield only the fastenings remain, and the boss, pierced and broken in its circle, is all left me.

And now, Bjarke, thou art strong, though thou hast come forth more tardily than was right, and thou retrievest by bravery the loss caused by thy loitering." But Bjarke said: "Art thou not yet weary of girding at me and goading me with taunts?
Many things often cause delay.

The reason why I tarried was the sword in my path, which the Swedish foe whirled against my breast with mighty effort.

Nor did the guider of the hilt drive home the sword with little might; for though the body was armed he smote it as far as one may when it is bare or defenceless; he pierced the armour of hard steel like yielding waters; nor could the rough, heavy breastplate give me any help.
"But where now is he that is commonly called Odin, the mighty in battle, content ever with a single eye?
If thou see him anywhere, Rute, tell me." Rute replied: "Bring thine eye closer and look under my arm akimbo: thou must first hallow thine eyes with the victorious sign, if thou wilt safely know the War-god face to face." Then said Bjarke: "If I may look on the awful husband of Frigg, howsoever he be covered with his white shield, and guide his tall steed, he shall in no wise go safe out of Leire; it is lawful to lay low in war the war-waging god.

Let a noble death come to those that fall before the eyes of their king.