With gentle and joyous jousting right gallantly they rode,
As the Christian knights and heathen their countries’ customs showed.
With what knightly prowess the champions of Dietrich’s warrior-band
Were hurling the whizzing javelin from the strong unerring hand!
Forth through the air far-leaping over the shields did they skim.
By the guests from Germany shivered was many a broad shield-rim.
With the ceaseless clashing of spear-shafts splintered loud was the air;
For the mighty men of the Hunland all were gathered there;
And there were the guests of Etzel, an exceeding noble array.
Now passeth the King with Kriemhild from the place of their meeting away,