THE BOY IN THE GERMANIC HERO-SAGAS 1 5 



his mettle, Alphart begged to be sent out as a scout to report on the 

 movements of Ermenrich's army. Refused by one and another 

 because of his youth and inexperience, Alphart exclaimed with deter- 

 mination, "Why do I bear weapons if I am to stay at home like a 

 woman? No one can turn me from my purpose. Today will I be 

 counted with the warriors, or today I die." Hereupon they gave 

 up the attempt to restrain him. With the helmet bound fast, shield 

 on arm, and spear in hand, Alphart rode forth over the heath in lion 

 mood. His first encounter was with the old Hildebrand himself, 

 who, anxious for the boy's safety, rode out after him. This was a 

 victory for Alphart. But, far from satisfying him, it only whetted 

 his courage. And he paid no heed to Hildebrand 's entreaties to 

 ride back to Bern with him. "I am on guard today," replied the 

 boy, more confident than ever because of his first conquest. And 

 the old Hildebrand rode away alone with fear in his heart. 



Many a man fell by the hand of Alphart that day. His last fight 

 was two against one, and even then Alphart was not to be overcome 

 except by treachery. A blow from behind felled him and he sank 

 at last in the grass, his blood mingling with that of the many foes he 

 had slain. 



Three other boys, Orte and Scharphe, 1 the sons of Attila, and 

 Diether, the younger brother of Dietrich of Bern, lost their lives 

 because of an overdaring spirit. Their first and last fight was with 

 the same Wittich who slew the young Alphart. Diether recognized 

 Wittich as a former follower of Dietrich of Bern, who had gone over 

 to the ranks of the enemy. Quick to see his duty and his opportunity, 

 Diether greeted him with a challenge as soon as he came near. "To- 

 day is your last day, Sir Wittich. At our hands you are to receive 

 the reward for your treachery to my brother, Dietrich of Bern." 

 "Spoken like a child," scoffed Wittich. "What is Italy to you? 

 Ride back to the Huns whence you came. And, I warn you, provoke 

 me not further, or that land you shall never see again. " 



Like men they bore themselves, these three, whom Wittich had 

 taunted as children. Quickly they drew their swords and charged 



■ "Rabenschlacht," Deutsche* BcUenbuch, B. 2. 



