Page:Tales by Musæus, Tieck, Richter, Volume 1.djvu/194

 

 Burgundy no longer Could fight for fatherland; The foe they were the stronger, Upon the bloody sand.

He said: “The foe prevaileth, My friends and followers fly, My striving naught availeth, My spirits sink and die.

No more can I exert me, Or sword and lance can wield; O, why did he desert me, Eckart, our trusty shield!

In fight he used to guide me, In danger was my stay; Alas, he’s not beside me, But stays at home today!

The crowds are gathering faster, Took captive shall I be? I may not run like dastard, I’ll die like soldier free.”

Thus Burgundy so bitter, Has at his breast his sword; When, see, breaks-in the Ritter Eckart, to save his lord!

With cap and armour glancing, Bold on the foe he rides, His troop behind him prancing, And his two sons besides. 