This last was a rival suitor for the same maiden; and when he saw that the match which he had been denied was promised to Helge, he challenged him to a struggle, wishing to fight away his vexation.

Helge agreed to the proposed combat.

The hour of the fight was appointed for the wedding-day by the common wish of both.

For any man who, being challenged, refused to fight, used to be covered with disgrace in the sight of all men.

Thus Helge was tortured on the one side by the shame of refusing the battle, on the other by the dread of waging it.