Of a truth the liegemen of Etzel made stout defence that day

Of a truth the liegemen of Etzel made stout defence that day: But the guests—ye might see them hewing forth and back their way Through the length and breadth of the feast-hall of the King with the lightening brand, While scream and groan of the stricken went up on every hand. Then they without right gladly would have holpen their friends within: But when they would force that doorway, small honour could they win. And they in the hall full gladly would have gotten to outer air, But past that door-ward Dankwart might none set foot on the stair.

So gathered before that portal throngs upon throngs of foes, And loud were the helmets ringing as the swords dealt crashing blows. Then hardly bestead was the warder, Dankwart the unafraid; But his brother marked his peril, as love and loyalty bade. With a mighty voice unto Volker straightway did Hagen shout: "Seest thou yonder, my comrade, how beset by a Hunnish rout Alone my brother standeth, while down on him stark blows rain? O friend, do thou help my brother, ere sped be the valiant thane." Made answer the viol-minstrel: "Yea verily will I so." Through the hall he strode to the music of that strange viol-bow, That sword of the ice-brook's temper, that rang in his grasp evermore; And the Rhineland knights as they heard it gave hearty thanks therefor. Then unto Dankwart Volker the aweless hero said: "This day hast thou sorely travailed, and now art thou hardly bestead: Wherefore to me for thine helping did Hagen thy brother appeal. Them from without withstand thou, and with these from within will I deal."

Now without is the door well warded, for Dankwart the keen stands there. Whosoever would win the threshold back hurled he down the stair. To the ringing music of sword-blades in many a hero's hand Within was the door well warded by Volker of Burgundy-land. Then over the tossing tumult a cry did the minstrel send: "Safe warded is the mansion, thou seest, Hagen my friend