Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/441

XXXVI.]

’Twas told unto Kriemhilda that they were safe and well.

Whereto the queen made answer: “It ne’er were possible

That through the fiery torment any of them have stay’d!

I’d rather take for granted that all of them lie dead.”

The princes and their liegemen were fain enough to live,

Had anyone been willing mercy to them to give.

None could they find of any within the Hunnish land!

So to avenge their dying they sought with willing hand.

Towards the dawn of morning, they had, for greeting fair,

A dire assault of battle: in straits the heroes were.

Though thickly all amongst them stout javelins were thrown,

The brave and noble warriors like true knights held their own.

The zeal of Etzel’s people was quicken’d by desire,

That they from Queen Kriemhilda might earn the promised hire;

Moreover they were eager to do the king’s command.

And so no few among them found speedy death at hand.

Of promising and giving might wondrous tales be told.

She bade her folk on bucklers to bring the ruddy gold;

She gave to all who craved it and would accept her fee.

Ay! ne’er was greater guerdon spent for an enemy.

A mighty force of warriors came in their panoply.

To them cried gallant Volker: “Here waiting still are we!

I ne’er saw knights more gladly go forth to face the foe

Than these who the king’s bounty have taken, for our woe.”