For know ye this of a surety, that death to us all is near.
Forget not past transgressions, the sins wherein ye had part,
And stand in your God’s presence with humble and contrite heart.
Yea, hearken ye all to the warning, every valiant thane—
If God in Heaven help not, ye shall hear no mass again.”
Onward then to the minster princes and liegemen passed.
In the holy outer precinct were they bidden all stand fast
By Hagen, that each from other might so be sundered by none;
For he said: “As yet none knoweth what by the Huns shall be done.
Set down, O ye my kinsmen, your shields before your feet;