Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/467

XXXVIII.]

And Dankwart, Hagen’s brother, a fearsome man was he:

Whatever he, already, on Etzel’s chivalry

In battle had accomplish’d, e’en as the wind was naught:

The son of the bold Aldrian now like a madman fought.

Richart and Gerbart likewise, Helfrich and eke Wichart,

Who oftentimes in battle right well had play’d their part,

Now plainly show’d their prowess to Gunther’s fighting men;

Wolfbrand in combat proudly was seen to bear him then,

And like a madman raging fought ancient Hildebrand.

Full many a doughty warrior then fell by Wolfhart’s hand,

Death-stricken by his sword-blows, into the pool of blood.

Thus Rüdeger avenged they, these gallant knights and good.

Then fought the noble Siegstab as of his might was due;

Ha! and upon his foemen what goodly helmets too

Were shiver’d in the battle by Dietrich’s sister’s son;

He could not in the struggle e’er better work have done.

Thereon the sturdy Volker, as soon as he beheld

How from the tough mail-armour the blood in streamlets well’d

At gallant Siegstab’s sword-strokes, the hero’s wrath arose;

Forward he sprang to meet him: and so his life to lose

Upon the spot had Siegstab through that same fiddle-man;

Who forthwith of his cunning to give such proof began

That by his mighty weapon quick death must needs ensue.

Old Hildebrand avenged him, as of his strength was due.