Page:The Nibelungenlied - tr. Shumway - 1909.pdf/273

Rh and Else, should they match our fellowship here to-day. I know them to be so bold that ’t will not be left undone. Let the steeds jog on more gently, that none ween we be a-fleeing on the road.”

“This counsel I will gladly follow,” quoth Giselher, the knight; “but who shall guide the fellowship across the land?”

They answered: “This let Folker do; the valiant minstrel knoweth both road and path.”

Ere the wish was fully spoken, men saw the doughty fiddler standing there well armed. On his head he bound his helmet, of lordly color was his fighting gear. On his spear shaft he tied a token, the which was red. Later with the kings he fell into direst need.

Trustworthy tidings of the ferryman’s death were now come to Gelfrat’s ears. The mighty Else had also heard the tale. Loth it was to both; they sent to fetch their heroes, who soon stood ready. In a passing short time, as I’ll let you hear, one saw riding towards them those who had wrought scathe and monstrous wounds in mighty battles. Full seven hundred or more were come to Gelfrat. When they began to ride after their savage foes, their lords did lead them, of a truth. A deal too strong they hasted after the valiant strangers; they would avenge their wrath. Therefore many of the lordings’ friends were later lost.

Hagen of Troneg had well planned it (how might a hero ever guard his kinsmen better), that he had in charge the rear guard, with his liegemen and his brother Dankwart. This was wisely done.

The day had passed away; the night was come. For his friends he feared both harm and woe, as beneath