And through many a shield and helmet did the flashing steel-edge hew.
“Give back from the door,” cried Volker, “and let these enter in!
Ha, but the prize that they look for not a man of them all shall win!
One and all shall they perish—ay, and that full soon.
With death shall they earn their guerdon, Queen Kriemhild’s golden boon!”
Into the hall of slaughter those men high-hearted pressed,
But soon did many a warrior stoop to the earth his crest.
Fast, fast by the lightning sword-strokes of its warders were they slain.
Well fought the dauntless Gernot, well Giselher the thane.
Into the great hall thronged they, a thousand men and four;