Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/399

XXXI.]

Whate’er was done by any was nothing else but sound.

Loud was the din that echo’d palace and hall around,

From clash of shields and bucklers, by Gunther’s liegemen made;

Whence praises and great honour unto his folk were paid.

The ardour of their pastime so mighty was and great,

That from the goodly horses whereon the heroes sate

The snow-white foam was soaking through the caparisons.

In every courtly fashion they sought to meet the Huns.

Then up and spake the minstrel, Volker the fiddle-player:

“I trow that to withstand us these warriors will not dare.

I’ve ever heard it said that they hate us verily;

Now is the time to show it; a better ne’er will be.

“Straightway unto the stables,” so Volker loudly cried,

‘We’ll have the horses taken; till towards the eventide

We’ll ride some further courses, if there be time enow.

What if to us Burgundians the queen some praise allow!”

Then saw they some one coming; with stately mien rode he,

Such that no other Hunsman with him compared could be.

Belike in some high lattice a sweetheart there he had;

No knightly bride was ever than he more fairly clad.

Then Volker said: “How can I pass over such a chance?

Yon darling of the ladies must feel a thrust of lance,—

There’s not a man could help it! ’will stand him in his life:

I care not though I anger thereby King Etzel’s wife.”