Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/113

IV.]

For Sindold’s might, and Hunold’s, and Gernot’s had laid

In course of that fell combat, full many a hero dead,

Ere they had time to reckon the valour of the foe.

And many a winsome lady that day must weep for woe.

Sir Volker and Sir Hagen, and also Ortewein,

Dimmed in that strife the light that from many a helm did shine,

With damp of blood downpouring,— these battle-valiant men!

Sir Dankwart’s prowess also wrought many a marvel then.

And also they of Denmark did well their weapons wield,

And many a thrust resounded on many a polish’d shield;

And the sharp sword-strokes echoed death-dealing, blow on blow.

The warlike Saxons likewise did harm enough, I trow!

As now the bold Burgundians, pressed forward in the fight,

By them was many a sword-wound, wide-cleft,—a ghastly sight!

And streaming o’er the saddles, one saw the reeking blood.

Thus fought they for dear honour, those valiant knights and good.

One heard there, loud-resounding, from every hero’s hand,

The clashing of keen weapons; whilst they of Netherland

Dashed after their bold leader, into the thickest fray.

Right valiantly they followed where Siegfried showed the way.

For him the Rhenish heroes could never come anigh;—

One might have seen down-flowing red streamlets bloodily

Beneath the glitt’ring helmets, cloven by Siegfried’s hand;—

Until he saw King Lud’ger before his warriors stand.