Lo, in front of the hall in armour I see folk gathered near.
If I may divine their purpose, they come to fall on us here.”
“Hush!” answered Hagen: “suffer that they come unto us full close.
Ere they be ware of our presence, shall the helms of yonder foes
With these good swords be cloven that shall swing in the hands of twain.
In evil plight unto Kriemhild will we send them back again!”
Then ware was one of the warriors of the Hunfolk suddenly
How that the door was guarded. In haste to the rest spake he:
“The deed that we had purposed, now doth fate forestall.
I behold the viol-minstrel stand guard afront of the hall.