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Then from the house-door speaking the minstrel Volker said;

“Since my companion Hagen a truce with you has made,

To you I also promise safe-conduct from my hand;

For well have you deserved it since came we to the land.

“You must, most noble margrave, be messenger of mine.

These ruddy golden armlets gave me the margravine,

That I should surely wear them here at the revelry:

You must yourself behold them and witness bear for me.”

“Would God in Heaven allow it,” then answer’d Rüdeger,

“The margravine should give you still more of such to wear!

Unto my wife your message right gladly will I give—

Thereof be ye not doubtful— if I to see her live.”

And even whilst he promised, his buckler Rüdeger

Raised: and in mood of madness no longer could forbear,

But rush’d upon the strangers,— a very warrior now;

And fast the mighty margrave dealt round him many a blow.

Aloof together standing Volker and Hagen stay’d,

According to the promise the warriors twain had made,

Yet more, as gallant, found he waiting beside the door;

Whence Rüdeger the battle began with trouble sore.

With murderous intention he was allow’d therein

By Gunther and by Gernot, who heroes should have been.

But Giselher aside stood, so great his sorrows were;—

For life he hoped, and therefore avoided Rüdeger.