By this was the daylight ended, and nearer the night-tide drew. But perplexed were the way-worn heroes, for as yet they nowise knew
Where they should find them couches for the rest of the slumber-tide.
Then Hagen put it to question, and by him were they certified.
For unto their host spake Gunther: “God prosper you of his grace!
We would fain go hence to our slumber: thou have us excused for a space.
Tomorn we return right early, if this to the King seem best.”
Then the host with blithe leave-taking let all depart to their rest.
But the Queen’s folk thronged and beset them, and pressed on every side.
Then out spake Volker the dreadless, and unto the Huns he cried:
“What mean ye to bar and to cumber our feet, discourteous crew?
If ye from our path avoid not, mischief shall light upon you!
Upon some this bow of my viol so heavily shall smite,
That whoso there be that love them shall weep for their woeful plight.
Hence from our path! Meseemeth it were best that ye block not our way!
Knights these name them—but little enow of the knight have they!”
The while that the viol-minstrel spake thus angerly,
Around him Hagen the dauntless cast a scornful eye;
And he said: “Ye have heard good counsel from the minstrel battle-keen.
Get you hence to your lodging, ye men of Kriemhild the Queen!
Whatsoe’er be your purpose of malice, now shall it nowise speed.
Come early to us to-morrow, if ye fain would essay some deed,
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And leave us way-worn warriors to rest in peace this night.
It was ever the wont of true men to do their deeds in the light.”
Then brought they the guests Burgundian to a hall both great and wide;
For all that throng of warriors was it dight for the slumber-tide
With couches exceeding splendid: long and broad they were.
—There trusted Kriemhild to tangle their feet in murder’s snare.
With tapestries of Arras were the couches overspread.
Wrought all of radiant loomwork, and strown was every bed
With glistering silks Arabian, the richest that eye hath seen,
And coverlets lay thereover that gleamed with lordly sheen.
And rich rugs, some of ermine fashioned, lay in sight,
And some of the dusky sable, whereunder through the night
They should rest them lying softly till shone the light of day.
Sooth, never a king with his vassals in state more lordly lay.
“Alas for the place of our resting!” the young Prince Giselher cried,
“And alas for our friends and our kinsmen that hither with us have hied!
With what fair words soever my sister hath bidden us come,
We have won, I sorely fear me, through her hate to the Net of Doom!”
“Nay then, put by misgivings,” said Hagen, “and rest you well.
Myself will to-night be your watchman and slumber-sentinel,
And faithfully will I guard you till morning bringeth the day.
Fear nought till then: thereafter let him keep his head who may.”
Low bowed them unto him all men, and thanked him courteously;
Then on their beds they cast them. Few moments fleeted by
Ere hero by goodly hero untroubled rest had won.
And now ’gan Hagen the dreadless his harness of battle to don.
Then answered the viol-minstrel, and the good thane Volker spake:
“If thou scorn my request not, Hagen, with thee will I undertake
This night the watching in armour, till the shadows flee away.”
Then heartily thanked he Volker, and thus did the warrior say:
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“Now God from his Heaven reward thee, Volker, of men most dear!
In all my sorest peril would I have none other near
Than thee alone, whensoever into hard straits I were brought.
Full well will I requite thee, so death forestall me not.”
Then did these twain array them in mail bright-glittering;
And over his arm his buckler did either warrior sling.
Forth of the great hall went they afront of the door to stand,
And they guarded the guests there lying with loyal heart and hand.
Then Volker the battle-eager unclasped his buckler good
From his arm, and upright set it, that propped by the wall it stood.
Then unto where was his viol he turned him back again,
And rendered his tired friends service worthy of such a thane.
For under the great hall’s doorway he sat on ............