1851.
So diverse was the chanting, thereby ‘twas plain to see
That Christians and heathens were not in unity.
And yet the men of Gunther to church would go withal;
They from their beds together had risen one and all.
1852.
The warriors then array’d them in clothes so finely wrought,
That better raiment never by heroes had been brought
To any king’s dominions. Ill did it Hagen please.
Said he: “Now should ye, heroes, don other suits than these.
1853.
“Enough about the matter ye surely understand;
Ye should, instead of roses, bear weapons in the hand.
For caps beset with jewels take shining helms and good;
Since we are well-adviséd of wicked Kriemhild’s mood.
1854.
“This day must we do battle, I will to you declare;
Instead of silken doublets, ye should your hauberks wear,
And in the place of mantles take bucklers good and wide—
That if they seek a quarrel, the brunt ye may abide.
1855.
‘“My well-belovéd masters, your friends and kinsmen too,
Go now unto the Minster,— that should ye gladly do—
And pray to God Almighty in your distress and need:
For know now, of a surety, that Death is nigh indeed.
1856.
“See, too, that ye forget not aught ill that ye have done,
And with true zeal and duty stand ye before God’s throne.
Of this, right noble warriors, I warn ye well afore,
Save God in Heaven may grant it, ye’ll hear no masses more.”
