Now thought, as he well might, Etzel that the guests by…

Now thought, as he well might, Etzel that the guests by this were dead, Forspent with battle-travail and with flames encompassèd; Yet there six hundred warriors still dauntless stood at bay. No king on earth had ever better knights than they. Now the watchers that spied on the strangers full well by this were ware That many a guest was living, what grievous scathe soe'er And torment had been suffered by the kings and their warrior-band. They beheld in the blackened feast-hall a goodly company stand. Then one brought word unto Kriemhild that yet lived many a foe. "Nay," cried the Queen in amazement, "never can this be so— Never, that one man living through such a fire could come! Nay, I must needs think rather that all have found one doom."

Full fain would Princes and liegemen yet have been spared to live, Had any been moved by mercy that boon at the last to give. There was none: they could find no daysman in all the Hunfolk's land: Therefore did they for their slaying avenge them with willing hand. A sudden greeting received they in the first of the morning-red, Even a furious onslaught, that the heroes were hardly bestead. With javelins flying before it rolled up that battle-flood; Yet ever the knights unquailing with ranks unbroken stood.

Now were the hosts of Etzel high-wrought and eager-souled, For they looked to win the guerdon of Kriemhild's lavished gold; And they burned to prove them loyal in fulfilling their King's command— But for many an one doom waited, swift death was hard at hand. Of her gifts and her promises marvels now might the minstrel sing. She bade men bear upon bucklers the gold bright-glittering; And on all that desired and would take it freely did she bestow. Never was wealth so lavished to spur men against a foe.

So a mighty array of warriors all-armed to the door drew near. Then cried the viol-minstrel: "O yea, yet are we here!

Never so gladly beheld I heroes come to the fight As these which have taken the treasure of the King to do us despite." Then many a stern voice shouted: "Ye heroes, come more nigh! Make ye an end of us quickly, seeing we needs must die! Here shall ye find none waiting save them whom death is to win!" Soon were the bucklers heavy with the spears that quivered therein.

What shall I more say?—hundreds twelve, with toil and strain Of mightiest sword-strokes battled to break through once and again; But with gaping wounds the defenders cooled their fiery mood. By none could their strife be parted: rushed in torrents the blood Out of the death-deep gashes: fast, fast men fell and died. Lamentation for dear friends perished shrieked up on every side. So fought they, till all those champions of Etzel the mighty fell, And nought was heard but the wailing of them that loved them well.

XXXVII. How the Margrave Rüdiger was slain

That morn had the homeless heroes like battling giants warred. And now came into the courtyard of the palace Gotlind's lord; And he saw what fearful havoc had been wrought unto Hun and to guest. Wept Rüdiger the true-hearted with sorrow-burdened breast. "Alas and alas," cried the hero, "that I live this day to see! And none can now put an ending to this calamity! Fain would I make reconcilement, but now no word of peace Will the King hear, seeing that ever doth the mischief done him increase." Then Rüdiger the noble sent unto Dietrich of Bern, If perchance some little relenting he might win from Etzel the stern. But the Lord of Bern sent answer: "The doom who now may stay? No man will King Etzel suffer to stand between him and the prey."