Page:The Nibelungenlied - tr. Shumway - 1909.pdf/345

Rh them stand full safe and sound. They then told Kriemhild that many were still alive, but the queen replied: “It could never he, that any should have lived through such stress of fire. Rather will I believe that all lie dead.”

The lordings and their men would still fain have lived, had any listed to do them mercy, but they could find none among those of the Hunnish land. So with full willing hand they avenged their dying. On this same day, towards morning, men proffered them a fiere attack as greeting, which brought the champions in stress again. Many a stout spear was hurled upon them, but the bold and lordly warriors warded them in knightly wise. High rose the mood of Etzel’s men at the thought that they should earn Queen Kriemhild’s gold. Thereto they were minded to perform whatso the king did hid them. Many of them because of this must soon needs gaze on death. Of pledges and of gifts one might tell wonders. She bade the ruddy gold be carried forth on shields and gave it to whomsoever craved it and would take it. Certes, greater wage was nevermore given against foes. To the hall a mickle force of well-armed warriors marched.

Then cried bold Folker: “We ’re here again, ye see. Never saw I heroes more gladly come to fight than these that have taken the king’s gold to do us scathe.”

Then enow did call: “Nearer, heroes, nearer, that we may do betimes what we must bring to an end. Here dieth none that is not doomed to die.”

Soon their shields were seen sticking full of darts that had been thrown. What more can I say? Full twelve hundred men tried hard to match them, surging