1594.
“But who shall now our people across the country show?”
They answer’d: “That shall Volker, for right well doth he know
The highways and the byways, a gallant minstrel he.”
Before their wish was utter’d, the fiddler they could see
1595.
Standing well-arm’d before them. He bound his helmet on,
And on his battle-mantle the glorious colour shone.
As signal, on a lance-shaft, a pennon red he bore.
But with the kings, thereafter, he fell on trouble sore.
1596.
Meanwhile the boatman’s murder became to Gelfrat known
By message all undoubted; and eke the news had gone
To Else the most mighty; and sore aggrieved were they.
They sent to call their chieftains, who came without delay.
1597.
In space of time the shortest,— I would to you make known,—
Were seen unto them riding men, who erewhile had done
Sore scathe and dread achievements in direst stress of war.
Of such there came to Gelfrat seven hundred men or more.
1598.
Their foemen fierce to challenge to ride they then began,
Led by their lords aforesaid. Too readily they ran
To catch the doughty strangers and wipe away their shame.
Of their retainers many by death thereafter came.
1599.
Meanwhile, Hagen of Tronjé for that had taken care;
(How could a hero better for all his friends beware?)
Together with his liegemen the watch by night kept he,
As did his brother Dankwart: ’twas done right prudently.
