A huge shard earthward-clanging; the sparks were as lightning-flame.
Then the champion of King Gunther even to death’s brink came.
He lifted his voice, and to Dankwart he cried for aid, and he said:
“Help me, O brother belovèd, for now am I hardly bestead
Of a mighty-handed hero; he putteth in peril my life!”
Answered him Dankwart the fearless, “Lo, I will part your strife!”
With a leap of his horse he was on them: so fierce and fell a blow
With the keen sword dealt he to Gelfrat, that in death he laid him low.
Then Elsè would fain take vengeance for the mighty champion slain;
But, so fast were they falling, backward borne were his vassal-train.