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When asked wherefore he had done so, and how they were to return from the land of the Huns back to the Rhine, Hagen said: Should we have a coward on this journey who would turn his back on the Huns, when he cometh to this stream he will die a shameful death. In passing through Bavaria the Burgundians came into collision with Gelfrat and his brother Else, and Gelfrat was slain.
They crossed the river at Moering, where Elsy's ferryman was killed, and Hagen said further, "I have made enemies by the way, that will shortly set on us. I slew the boatman this morning; wherefore, if Gelfrat and Elsy attack us, welcome them on such wise that it shall go hard with them. They will do it without fail, for I know them for bold men. Ride softly, that none may say we fly."
Compare the similar description in the "Hildebrandslied", 37, where we are told that gifts should be received with the spear. "Goods". In the "Thidreksaga" the ferryman desires the ring for his young wife, which explains better the allusion to marriage and the desire for wealth. "To-broke", see Adventure II, note 9. "Clerk", 'priest'. ADVENTURE XXVI How Gelfrat Was Slain By Dankwart.
He guardeth this land and is liegeman unto Gelfrat. And cometh he not betimes, so call across the flood and say, ye hight Amelrich. He was a doughty here that; because of a feud did void this land. The ferryman will come when he heareth this name." Haughty Hagen bowed then to the dames; he spake no more, but held his peace.
He began to call to Dankwart: "O help, dear brother! Certes, a hero of his hands hath matched me, he will not spare my life." At this hold Dankwart spake: "I'll play the umpire here." The hero then sprang nearer and with a sharp sword smote Gelfrat such a blow that he fell down dead. Else then would fain avenge the knight, but he and his fellowship parted from the fray with scathe.
When they had crossed at Moering, where Else's ferryman had lost his life, Hagen spake again: "Sith I have gained me foes upon the way, we shall surely be encountered. I slew this same ferryman early on the morn to-day. Well they wot the tale. Now lay on boldly, so that it may go hard with Gelfrat and Else, should they match our fellowship here to-day.
On both sides, and close behind, they heard the trample of hoofs, and spurred on. Then said bold Dankwart, "They will fall on us here. Ye did well to bind on your helmets." So they stopped, as needs was. Then they saw the glitter of shields in the dark. Hagen held his peace longer, "Who follow us by the way?" Gelfrat had to answer.
The knight spurred toward them, and smote Gelfrat such a blow that he fell dead. Elsy would have avenged him, but he and his followers were overcome. His brother was slain, and he himself wounded. Full eighty of his warriors he left there with grim death; the prince had to flee before Gunther's men. When the Bavarians gave way, there was heard the echo of grisly strokes.
Thus the hero met his death. I'll make amends, as doth think thee best." "Well I wist," spake Gelfrat, "when Gunther and his fellowship rode hither, that Hagen of Troneg would do us harm. Now he shall not live; the knight must stand for the ferryman's life." Over the bucklers Gelfrat and Hagen couched their spears for the thrust; each would charge the other.
The name of his brother is Gelfrat, a prince in Bavaria. It might go hard with thee if thou wentest through his march. Look well to thyself, and proceed warily with the boatman. He is so grim of his mod that he will kill thee, if thou speak him not fair. If thou wouldst have him ferry thee across, give him hire. He guardeth this land, and is Gelfrat's friend.
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