Of life and goods did the grim warrior
    rob men wrongfully
by the way which was watched by him,
    no quick wight ever came.
By himself he ate alone,
    nor e’er bade men to his meals;
till once, weary and weak of strength
    a wayfarer he welcomed.
Of meat and drink he seemed much in need,
    and faint without food;
now, frightened, he must fain trust him
    who ere had been hard of heart.
Gave he meat and drink to the drooping man,
    and whole-heartedly, withal;
good fare he gave him, of God mindful,
    for well he wished the man.
Up he got, on ill deeds bent,
    nor gratefully took what was given:
his sin swelled, he the sleeping man murdered
    who wise and wary was else.
To Heavens’ God for help he prayed
    when waking, wounded to death;
but on him fell the heavy sin:
    who had dastardly done him to death.
Came holy angels from Heaven above,
    and swiftly seized his soul;
A sinless life will it lead