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Then spake the lord of Tronjé: “This do I with the thought

That, should we on this journey have any cravens brought,

Who fain would basely leave us, through cowardice of mind,

They must a shameful ending here in this river find.”

A man there was amongst them from Burgundy who came,

By might of hand a hero, and Volker was his name.

Right cunningly he utter’d all that was in his mind,

And whatsoe’er did Hagen this minstrel good did find.

The chargers now were ready, each packhorse had its load.

So far, the host no damage had suffered on the road

To daunt them, or to trouble, except the chaplain’s loss;

Who needs must to the Rhineland on foot the country cross.

When they were all come over unto the further strand,

The king began to question: “Who will throughout this land

Show us the proper pathways,— lest we should stray afar?”

Then spake the valiant Volker: “Alone for that I’ll care.”

“Now bide ye yet,” said Hagen, “if squire you be or knight,

A friend’s word should be follow’d; that seems to me but right.

I have unwelcome tidings to make known unto ye:

No more shall we return to the land of Burgundy!