But her thanes looked each upon other with glances wavering.
Had they closed that instant in conflict, those two companions, I trow,
Right soon had exacted homage to their prowess from the foe,
As oft in the days passed over they had proved in battle-storm.
The thing they had undertaken now feared those men to perform.
Then spake a knight to his fellows: “Why look ye so upon me?
The deed that erewhile I promised, fulfilled may it nowise be.
No mortal’s gifts shall beguile me to barter away my life.
To our own destruction hither were we lured by Etzel’s wife!”
Then spake and answered another: “As thou art, so am I.