XXIV

Then those without in hurried to aid their friends within, But found upon the staircase more was to lose than win; Out fain would rush the others, and through the doorway fare.

To none gave Dankwart pa.s.sage, nor up nor down the stair.

XXV

To force the guarded portal throng'd the Huns amain.

With the clattering sword-strokes the morions rang again.

Then stood the valiant Dankwart in deadly peril there; Of that his loving brother took heed with timely care.

XXVI

Straight to dauntless Folker, Hagan shouted loud, "See you there my brother beset by yonder crowd, Batter'd by blades unnumber'd, by countless bucklers cross'd?

Up, and save him, comrade! or the good knight is lost."

XXVII

"Fear not," replied the minstrel, "I'll do your bidding soon."

Straight strode he through the palace playing his harshest tune.

Oft clash'd the keen-edg'd broadsword that in his hand he bore.

The n.o.ble chiefs of Rhineland thank'd him o'er and o'er.

XXVIII

Then to the fearless Dankwart the minstrel-knight 'gan say, "You must have surely suffered sore press and toil to-day.

Sent hither by your brother to aid you I have been.

If you'll without be warder, I'll keep the door within."

XXIX

Firm the nimble Dankwart stood outside the door; All who the stairs were mounting down drove he evermore; In the grasp of the warriors their swords clash'd fearfully.

The like within did stoutly Folker of Burgundy.

x.x.x

Loud the valiant minstrel shouted o'er the throng, "The hall is shut, friend Hagan! the locks are firm and strong.

The hands of two stout warriors King Etzel's door secure; A thousand bolts, believe me, would not be half so sure."

x.x.xI

When Hagan saw the portal secur'd against attack, By the thong his buckler the fiery chief threw back, And whirl'd his sword for vengeance with huge two-handed sway; No hope had then his foemen with life to come away.

x.x.xII

When good Sir Dietrich noted how with each swashing stroke The furious Lord of Trony a Hunnish morion broke, On to a bench straight leapt he, to see the knights of Rhine.

Said he, "Sure Hagan's serving the very worst of wine."

x.x.xIII

The host was sore bewilder'd with horror and surprise; What crowds of friends and subjects were slain before his eyes!

Scarce 'midst the b.l.o.o.d.y turmoil himself from danger free, He sat in mortal anguish; what boot was his a king to be?

x.x.xIV

Proud Kriemhild cried to Dietrich in ghastly drear affright, "Help me with thy valor, good and n.o.ble knight By the worth of all the princes of th' Amelungers' land.

If Hagan only reach me, Death have I close at hand."

x.x.xV

"Fair queen," replied Sir Dietrich, "how can I help you here?

Or how protect another when for myself I fear?

So wroth are these Burgundians, so high their pa.s.sions run, That I in such a moment can promise peace to none."

x.x.xVI

"Nay, say not so, Sir Dietrich, renown'd and n.o.ble knight!

Show forth this day amongst us thy high heroic might To bring me hence in safety; else, I shall surely die.

Dole and dismay beset me; in mortal strait am I."

x.x.xVII

"At least I'll make the trial, if boot you yet I can, For ne'er before beheld I many a mighty man, To sudden wrath enkindl'd, so fierce to battle rush.

Blood see I through the helmets at every sword-stroke gush."

x.x.xVIII

So the fair queen's entreaty he would no longer scorn; Up his voice he lifted like a blast on a buffalo's horn, That all the echoing castle rung through its breadth and length; So loud the voice of Dietrich, so wondrous was his strength!

x.x.xIX

Soon as heard King Gunther the voice of such a man Peal o'er the clash and tumult, to listen he began.

Said he, "The voice of Dietrich sounds in my ears amain; I fear our eager champions some friend of his have slain.