But still Laimdota restless grew, The Black Knight near her could not bear, Although he sought to change her view With gracious words and flattery fair.
Bearslayer ordered contests held, And tournaments were staged at length. Then came a day when both had felled Opponents beaten by their strength. The Black Knight to Bearslayer spoke, And made a challenge to a fight. The youth refused him with a joke; He did not wish to give a slight.
The Knight, however, angry seemed, And answered in a mocking way: No test of strength for him he deemed, To beat Bearslayer in a fray, Despite the boasting he had heard! Bearslayer did not tarry more, But at the Knight without a word Swung hard the heavy sword he bore.
At first Bearslayer thought it sport, And jousted in light-hearted way; But, fighting fierce, the Black Knight brought Great strength and litheness to the fray. And suddenly in swift attack Bearslayer's ear clean off he slit. Enraged, Bearslayer struck him back; His blow the Knight's stout armour split.
The Black Knight's blood began to pour, But bold Bearslayer's sword had cracked. The Knight saw this, and struck once more- The other ear his slash clear hacked! Bearslayer's anger knew no bound: He seized the Black Knight in his grasp; Their deadly struggle shook the ground, As now they fought to their last gasp.
Three times Bearslayer seized him fast, And seemed the heavy Knight to beat. Three times he staggered at the last; The Knight broke free with kicking feet.
The watching men stood pale with fear, As though their feet were rooted deep, While to the edge the two came near, Right to the lofty cliff-top steep.
The Daugava takes Bearslayer to its bosom
His foe at last Bearslayer flung Into the river's depths to drown, But round with heavy armour hung, The Black Knight dragged Bearslayer down.
The waters made a cracking sound, The waves surged high and took the pair, And, in their fight together bound, Down in the depths they vanished there!
Into the Daugava's surging flood Now sank the setting sun's pale glow. A thick mist rose and dripped like blood; The waves sighed mournful down below.
The foaming waters parted wide, And took the hero to their breast. An island rose up in the tide, And in this place he sank to rest.