And as yet no scathe had befallen any as onward they rode,
Nor cause for fear or for grieving, save the priest, by a deed unmeet
Constrained to fare back Rhineward alone upon his feet.
XXVI.
How Foes fell on them as they journeyed by Night
So when they were now all mustered upon the Danube strand,
Then spake to his men King Gunther: “Who through the unknown land
Shall now on the right path guide us, that our feet err not from the same?”
Out spake the valiant Volker: “This office for mine I claim.”
“Nay, halt ye a space,” said Hagen: “halt, both squire and knight!
His friends must a man needs follow, it seemeth me meet and right.