May God in Heaven vouchsafe us that a happier day may dawn!
To an ill high-tide by the bidding of my sister were we drawn!”
Spake after a space another: “Now I discern the day.
Then, seeing nought else remaineth, and for us there is but one way,
E’en make you ready, my masters, as needeth to be done.
At the least will we die with honour, seeing escape is none.”
Now thought, as he well might, Etzel that the guests by this were dead,
Forspent with battle-travail and with flames encompassèd;
Yet there six hundred warriors still dauntless stood at bay.
No king on earth had ever better knights than they.