Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/395

XXXI.]

They went unto the Minster, the princes with their men.

But in the hallow’d precincts bold Hagen spake again

And bade them halt, lest any should leave the company:

“None knoweth what the Hunfolk to us may do,” said he;

“My friends, set down your bucklers upright before your feet,

And answer ye to any who may unkindly greet

With deep and deadly sword-stroke. Hark ye, to Hagen’s rede,

So will ye find it worthy to serve you in your need.”

With that Hagen and Volker, the twain together, went

In front of the great Minster. ’Twas done with this intent,

That they might make it certain that the king’s wife would need

To crowd them as she enter’d: their mien was grim indeed.

Then came the land’s Upholder, and eke his lady fair.

And deck’d about the body with raiment rich and rare

One saw the doughty warriors along with them go by;

The dust aloft was whirling from Kriemhild’s chivalry.

Now when the mighty ruler in armour saw array’d

The kings and their companions, how quickly then he said:

“Why thus my friends behold I marching with helmets on?

’Twould grieve me,on my honour, had aught to them been done.

“I’ll gladly make atonement, however they think good;

If any here have vext them in either heart or mood,

I give them full assurance that sorely vext am I;

And whatsoe’er they bid me I’ll do it readily.”