The talisman that on his hat he wore Stayed by him and surprising fortune brought, When "Staburadze's maid" he met once more, The fair Laimdota, daughter of the court. For noble goals, in her he reason found, For toiling too for Burtnieks the lord. And in his heart love flared beyond all bound, While in Laimdota too her spirit soared.
They often met, and in the evenings' glow Together walked upon the lakeside shore. She told him of a castle sunk below, And tales about the Burtnieks of yore.- To win the maiden's hand Bearslayer sought, But from the hills the message came in haste, That Kalapuisis great havoc wrought, By striking down the folk and laying waste.
Fear seized them all, for none could hope to stand, Who in the hills should face the giant's might. Old Burtnieks sent news across the land: The hero who could save them from this plight Might claim as bounty any wish he made, Laimdota's hand, if even that he chose. Bearslayer then from Burtnieks leave prayed, And with Koknesis sought to face the foes.
Old Burtnieks refused their wish at length, Moved by the danger they would surely face, But, knowing well the measure of their strength, At last he gave his blessing with good grace.- Soon, riding dashing colts, with sword in hand, Into the hills they went to right the wrong; Sent forth as saviours in the field to stand, By youths and maidens and the sound of song.
Halfway they met swift riders seeking aid; To Burtnieks a message grim they brought: Estonian foes had made a border raid, And burned and killed, and thus his help they sought. They asked for aid from Burtnieks's Lord, And knew that his agreement would be found; If they should fight against Estonia's horde, To send his men he was by honour bound.
What best to do the youths had to decide.- They settled soon, since time was not to lose, That one of them to Burtnieks would ride, And with the hasting riders bring the news. This task Koknesis took now, saying plain: "Alone, Bearslayer, triumph realize, And so Laimdota's hand in marriage gain. I know your love, and will not seek the prize."
Bearslayer defeats Kalapuisis and befriends him
Beside his wood-framed hut, high on the hill, Sat Kalapuisis and ate a calf, Then with a suckling pig consumed his fill. Beside him lay his club, a mighty staff, A tree trunk with a millstone on it bound.- On seeing bold Bearslayer riding past, He seized his club and swung the weapon round, So fast it caused a whirlwind's swirling blast.