Then they, those vassals of Kriemhild, can nowise lie unto…

Then they, those vassals of Kriemhild, can nowise lie unto us That they sought not to do to the King's guests a deed most treacherous." Then cried the viol-minstrel, and the throng of the Huns he hailed: "How cometh it, valiant heroes, that ye come thus armour-mailed? Be ye fain, O vassals of Kriemhild, to ride in quest of spoil? Then take ye me and my comrade to help in your knightly toil." But no man rendered him answer. Then wrathful waxed his mood. "Out on you, caitiff dastards!" cried that warrior good. "To murder us in our slumber—for this be ye prowling nigh? Never yet to such noble heroes was done such treachery!"

Right soon thereafter the story unto the Queen was told How the men she had sent had failed her: then waxed she heavy-souled. New plots she devised, for her hatred was cruel as the grave. Destined thereby to perish was many a hero brave.

XXXI. How they bore them at Mass and Tourney

"So chill now groweth mine harness," said Volker unto his friend, "That I trow in no long season will the night-tide draw to an end. Yea, and I feel by the dawn-breeze that hard at hand is the day." Then waked they many a hero that still in slumber lay. Now on the guests in the great hall the morning light shone fair, And Hagen fell to question the good knights gathered there If they would go to the minster the chanting of mass to hear; For now after Christian custom the bells of prime rang clear. The chanting was but a discord: sooth, marvel therein was none That Christian men and heathen sang not in unison. Yet minded to go to the minster were they of Gunther's train; And they rose up all from the couches whereon through the night they had lain.