Perchance to the knights Burgundian will the Queen give valour’s prize!”
Then into the lists came riding one of such lordly mien
That in all the host of the Hunfolk no goodlier man was seen.
Perchance from a casement a dear one gazed on his pomp and his pride:
Like a maid was he richly apparelled, yea, like a young knight’s bride.
Then again in his scorn spake Volker: “Who now can forbear to smite?
He must needs take a buffet, yon minion of women, yon carpet-knight.
He hath set his life on the hazard: not I will be turned from my path!
As for yon wife of King Etzel, nothing I reck of her wrath.”
“Now nay, by my love I charge thee,” said Gunther, “do not thus!