Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/417

XXXIII.]

“Can I do aught to help you, I verily will try;

Since never have I witness’d, for many years gone by,

To such deep wrath enkindled so many a warrior good.

Ay! through the riven helmets I see the surging blood.”

This thane of proven valour with power began to shout;

Like unto horn of bison his voice rang loudly out,

Until its strength re-echoed the wide-wall’d stronghold round.

The mightiness of Dietrich was great beyond all bound.

When Gunther heard the clamour proceeding from this man

Above the noise of battle, to hearken he began.

Said he: “The voice of Dietrich is to my hearing plain;

I trow that our retainers some friend of his have slain.

“I see him on the table, he beckons with his hand.

Ye friends of mine and kinsfolk from the Burgundian land,

Cease fighting for a season, and let one hear and see

What to the thane hath happen’d through them who follow me.”

And when the royal Gunther besought and gave command,

They, in the stress of battle, halted with sword in hand.

So great the power he wielded, not one durst strike a blow

Whilst him of Bern he challenged, with readiness enow.

Said he: “Most noble Dietrich, what hath to you been done

By any of my people? I’m willing, be it known,

Amends and satisfaction right readily to give.

Were any man to wrong you, right deeply should I grieve.”