Thus once again was Kriemhild’s purpose brought to naught, and she was forced to devise other measures to gain her ends.
Chapter XXV
The Burgundians go to Mass
SO the night passed, nor did the Huns again show themselves. “My armor grows chilly,” said Volker, at last, “methinks the fresh breeze betokens day is near.” And the two sentinels went within to awaken the sleepers.
Soon thereafter the beams of the rising sun shone into the hall, the bell for matins sounded, and Hagen summoned the Burgundians to go to mass. The knights were about to array themselves in festival attire, but he bade them don their armor instead, change their silk garments for hauberks, rich mantles for shields, and jewelled caps for good steel helms; for strife would surely come ere set of sun and they must be prepared.
“Now go ye to the minster church,
Your sins there to confess;
And pray to God right earnestly,
For aid in our distress.
For of a surety I do say,