There was none: they could find no daysman in all the Hunfolk’s land:
Therefore did they for their slaying avenge them with willing hand.
A sudden greeting received they in the first of the morning-red,
Even a furious onslaught, that the heroes were hardly bestead.
With javelins flying before it rolled up that battle-flood;
Yet ever the knights unquailing with ranks unbroken stood.
Now were the hosts of Etzel high-wrought and eager-souled,
For they looked to win the guerdon of Kriemhild’s lavished gold;
And they burned to prove them loyal in fulfilling their King’s command—
But for many an one doom waited, swift death was hard at hand.