Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/392

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One of the Hunnish warriors had soon enough espied

That guarded was the doorway; how suddenly he cried:

“The matter we intended,  in sooth will not go well.

T see the fiddle-player standing as sentinel!

“A brightly polish’d helmet upon his head hath he

Of pure, hard-temper’d metal, and strong, and blemish-free.

His hauberk’s rings are glowing as fiery embers would.

By him stands also Hagen: the guests have watchmen good.”

Forthwith they turn’d them backwards. When Volker that espied,

Again to his companion in wrathful voice, he cried:

“Now let me from the palace after the warriors go;

Of Dame Kriemhilda’s liegemen somewhat I fain would know.”

“Nay, do it not,” said Hagen; “TI pray you by my love!

These ever-ready warriors,  if from the house you move,

Would with their swords, I doubt not, bring you such straits to face,

That I should have to help you, were ’t death to all my race.

“For whilst we two together are busy in the fray,

Some two or four among them will to the house away,

And quickly force an entrance, and some foul mischief do

Unto our sleeping comrades, which we shall ever rue.”

Then Volker spake in answer: “Let it be settled so;

But that I’ve seen them coming at least we’ll let them know,

So Kriemhild’s men hereafter shall never dare deny

That they would fain against us have wrought vile treachery.”