Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/455

XXXVII.]

Anon the margrave’s liegemen rush’d forth upon the foe;

Like warriors true one saw them after their leader go;

They bore their keen-edged weapons ready in hand to wield,

And many a helm they shatter’d and many a noble shield.

Many the swift strokes also the weary warriors spent

On him of Bechelaren, that straight and surely went

Right through the bright mail armour, nigh to the very life;

And glorious deeds of daring achieved they in that strife.

When Rüdeger’s noble comrades within had made their way,

Volker along with Hagen rush’d swiftly to the fray:

They gave to no one quarter, save to that single man.

The blood through helmets, shatter’d by hands of either, ran.

How grimly in that chamber the clang of swords uprose,

And many of the shield-plates sprang off beneath their blows;

The jewels hack’d from off them fell on the bloody floor.

In such grim humour fought they as might be never more.

The lord of Bechelaren went up and down the hall,

As one who might in battle by strength accomplish all.

By Rüdeger’s achievements that day it might be told

He was indeed a warrior, right praiseworthy and bold.

Here also stood those warriors Gunther and Gernot too,

Who in the stress of battle full many a hero slew;

And Giselher and Dankwart,— the twain reck’d not for aught,—

And so full many a warrior unto his last day brought.