From beside his lords to the foemen to meet them afront of the hall.
They deemed him verily death-doomed, yet scatheless he won through all.
Long lasted that stubborn conflict till the shadows darkened down;
And the guests still stood unflinching like heroes of renown
Against the hosts of Etzel through that long summer day.
Ha, what unnumbered heroes in death before them lay!
In the fair midsummer season was that mighty murder wrought,
When Kriemhild for her heart’s anguish revenge so dearly bought
On her own nearest kinsfolk and on many guiltless men,
By reason whereof King Etzel knew never joy again.