1. They told her, “Do not marry him, for it is
The fate of the first spear tips to meet a host.”

2. Yet she saw no wisdom in such advice and feared
Remaining unmarried more than the wearer of night’s cloak.

3. Little sleep bothered him more than thoughts
Of vengeance’s blood or meeting masked warriors—

4. Each tribe egging on its own while the enemies’ blades
Struck not to encourage boasting but to wreak havoc.

5. With little provision save sickness, his saddle straps
Were cinched tight, and his leather water bag fastened.

6. He slept in the wild till it became familiar
And woke with no pasture left to shelter their herd.

7. An unknowing newcomer he slew, prolonging
The abode of death until the killings spread.

8. She saw a man no game could distract, who,
If he met a human, would face him undaunted.

9. But raiders scorn being shamed when blamed
By one man marching alone or with an escort.

10. How can I think of death amidst life or view
Sweetness when ability and cover have abandoned me?

11. I shall not survive long save by raiding a lad
Whose flock I can plunder or whose herd stampedes together.

12. Yet I know not for certain that I will meet
The grinning teeth of death gleaming hairless.

13. Who is fooled by heroes must meet with them
At the place of death the same death they were seeking.