2215.
Well Rüdeger bore witness that he was strong enow,
And brave, with proven armour; what heroes laid he low!
’Twas seen by a Burgundian: wrath strove within him deep.
On Rüdeger the noble then death began to creep.
2216.
Stout Gernot ’twas, who loudly the hero challenged then.
He cried unto the margrave: “Wilt thou of all my men
Not one unscathéd leave me, most noble Rüdeger?
It moves me beyond measure; the sight I cannot bear.
2217
“Now lo! the gift you gave me to your own ruin tends,
Since you have taken from me so many of my friends.
Now turn towards me hither, thou noble, gallant man,
I’ll make your gift avail me with all the skill I can.”
2218.
Or ever that the margrave had won his way to him,
Mail coats that erst were shining must needs be spoilt and dim.
Then either at the other, thirsting for honour, ran;
And each to guard his body from deadly wounds began.
2219.
Yet smote their swords so keenly, against them all was vain.
And then was Gernot stricken by Rüdeger the thane
Athwart his flint-like helmet, till downward flow’d the blood;
All in a trice repaid him that gallant knight and good.
2220.
Aloft the gift of Rüdeger in hand he swung: and though
His own wound, too, was deadly, he dealt on him a blow
Right through his stalwart buckler unto his helmet’s slot.
The fair Gotlinda’s husband fell dead upon the spot.
