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XXXIII.]

Thereby around the gateways a mighty press arose,

And din of helmets also beneath the broadsword blows.

And thus the gallant Dankwart fell into sore distress:

But that his brother heeded, as bound in faithfulness.

For thereupon to Volker Sir Hagen cried aloud:

“Now look you yonder, comrade, how round my brother crowd

The Hunnish warriors closely, and blows upon him rain:

Friend, go and help my brother, or we shall lose the thane.”

“That will I do full surely,” answer’d the minstrelman;

And straightway through the palace his fiddling he began.

His hand with his stout broadsword full often music made;

To him the Rhenish warriors unbounded thanks repaid.

And soon the gallant Volker to Dankwart came and said:

“To-day no little trouble hath fallen on your head.

Your brother hath enjoin’d me to lend a helping hand:

If you’ll look to the outside, within the door I’ll stand.”

Dankwart the ever-ready without the gateway stood;

Well guarded he the stairway, let any come who would.

One heard the clang of weapons in the bold hero’s hand.

The like, within, did Volker of the Burgundian land.

Loudly the valiant minstrel shouted across the throng:

“The hall is closed, friend Hagen, with bolt and barrier strong.

The door of Etzel’s chamber is safely barr’d as well:

Two heroes’ hands that hold it a thousand bolts excel.”