1875.
When they of Bern pass’d onward, and from the place had gone,
The men from Bechelaren, of Rüdeger’s, came on.
Before the hall five hundred with shield on arm rode they:
Well pleased had been the margrave could they have kept away.
1876.
Then wisely, as behoved him, he rode the host throughout,
And said unto his warriors, they could no longer doubt
But that the men of Gunther ill will towards them had:
If they would leave the combat he would in truth be glad.
1877.
When these now had pass’d onward— high-mettled heroes bold—
Came horsemen from Thuringia, as hath to us been told;
And then the knights of Denmark, a thousand gallant men;
One saw right many a lance-shaft fly in the onset then.
1878.
Then Haward came and Imfried unto the tournament.
The Rhinelanders a challenge to them had proudly sent.
The warriors of Thuringia were offer’d many a joust;
In many a noble buckler were lances deeply thrust.
1879.
There, too, the lordly Blœdlin came with his thousands three.
By Etzel and Kriemhilda right closely watch’d was he;
For all the knightly jousting was held within their sight.
The queen rejoiced to see it for Burgundy’s despite.
1880.
And Gibecke and Scrutan unto the melée rode,
With Hornboge and Ramung, all in the Hunnish mode.
They held the lists, withstanding the chiefs of Burgundy;
And over the king’s palace the shafts went whirling high.
