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His shoulders were broad, his hair was grisled; his legs were long, and terrible was his face. He walked with a proud gait. Then lodging was made ready for the Burgundians. Gunther's attendants lay separate from the others. The queen, that greatly hated Gunther, had so ordered it. By this device his yeomen were slain soon after. Dankwart, Hagen's brother, was marshal.
Loudly Dankwart called to all the fellowship: "Ye see well, noble squires, how matters stand. Now ward you, wanderers! Forsooth we have great need, though Kriemhild asked us here in right friendly wise." Those that had no sword reached down in front of the benches and lifted many a long footstool by its legs.
They came hither under safe conduct, and not by the hand of Dietrich shall Siegfried be avenged." When she found no treachery in the knight of Bern, she tempted Bloedel with the promise of a goodly estate that had been Nudung's. Dankwart slew him after, that he clean forgot the gift.
Folker, that had the charge, bade ask the marshal, "Where shall we halt for the night, that the horses and my dear masters may rest?" But Dankwart said, "I know not. We cannot rest till the dawn. Then we shall lie down on the grass wherever we find a place." When they heard this news they were sorry enow!
Well did he wish him safe in the Burgundian land. Once back in Rhineland, thought he, and I would not stir a foots distance to win any such war-maid. But up spake Dankwart, Hagens valiant brother: Now is the day come on which we must bid farewell to our lives. An ill journey has this been, I trow, for in this land we shall perish at the hands of women.
Take my advice: have one small vessel built and rigged and victualled for the long and dangerous voyage; and, when the time shall come, you and I, and your kinsmen Hagen and Dankwart, we four only, will undertake the voyage and the emprise you have decided upon." Gunther knew that his friend's judgment in this matter was better than his own, and he agreed readily to all of Siegfried's plans.
With the kings one saw go to court a thousand brave men of their fellowship, thereto sixty champions that were come with them, whom the bold Hagen had taken from his land. Hawart and Iring, two chosen men, were seen to walk together near the kings. Men saw Dankwart and Wolfhart, a peerless knight, display their chivalry before all eyes.
How many shining armor-rings the daring Dankwart broke! Then Sir Liudegor espied a crown painted on the shield in Siegfried's hand. Well he knew that it was Siegfried, the mighty man. To his friends the hero loudly called: "Desist ye from the strife, my men, here I have seen the son of Siegmund, Siegfried, the strong, and recognized him well.
Yet since thou wilt hear it, noble princess, none rode in the thick of the fight like the knight of the Netherland. Marvellous was the work of Siegfried's hand. All that the knights did in battle Dankwart and Hagen and the rest though with honour fought they all, was but as a wind matched with the prowess of Siegfried, the son of Siegmund.
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.
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