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Amidst his guests more nobly a host ne’er took his seat.

For them there was abundance whereof to drink and eat,

And everything they wanted it was all ready made;

For truly of these heroes great marvels had been said.

Now was the daylight ended and night began to close.

Amid the wayworn warriors disquietude arose

For when they were to rest them and to their beds begone.

This mooted was by Hagen; and soon it was made known.

Unto the host spake Gunther: “God grant you long to live!

We now would hence to slumber; we pray thee leave to give.

We’ll come to-morrow morning if thou dost order so.”

Right pleasantly agreed he, and bade his guests to go.

One saw the people crowding the guests on every side.

Then Volker the undaunted unto the Hunfolk cried:

“How dare ye get in front of the warriors’ very feet?

If ye will not give over with trouble ye will meet.

“A fiddle-stroke so heavy on one of you I’ll lay,

That, hath he a well-wisher, that same may rue the day.

Give place there to us warriors! ’twill be the best for you.

Folk call ye knights, but little ye have akin thereto.”