That men yet count it a marvel that Dietrich escaped unslain.
So stalwart were these, so thrilled them the battle-spirit’s power,
That loud from their thunderous smiting re-echoed palace and tower.
Hewing the hard steel helmets did the great swords whirl and swing.
Ha, with right royal courage did he bear him, Gunther the King!
But at last by the might of Dietrich he too was overborne:
Men saw his blood fast flowing through the mail-rings shattered and shorn
By the all-resistless keenness of the blade that Dietrich bare.
Well had he warded him, Gunther, how weary he was soe’er!
Then by the hand of Dietrich were the limbs of Gunther bound—