At that the great beast turned sharp on the first two, and gored one from flank to shoulder with the terrible sidelong swing of the flashing tusk; and then he had his back to a great tree in a moment, and was at bay, with the hounds round him, yelling.
We three ran forward, and with us came Erling, with a second spear for me.

The horses were in charge of some thralls who had gathered to us.

Then it was to be seen who should win the honour of first spear to touch that dun hide.

Gymbert was already waiting his time, wheeling his horse round to find an opening among the hounds, and Sighard cried to him to let us have a chance, laughing.

Whereon he reined his horse back somewhat, and we paid no more heed to him.
One has no time to mind aught behind one when the boar is at bay.
One of our fresh hounds ran in, and in a moment was howling on his back before the boar, whose white tusk and dun jowl were reddened as he glared in fury at us from his fiery eyes.