On either side the highway, though nothing met their view,
Hoofs heard they frequent trample, and close behind them too.
Then out spoke fearless Dankwart, "Upon us is the foe;
Bind fast your helmets, warriors; prudence would have it so."
XVII
Upon their march they halted, for now they were so nigh,
That bucklers faintly glimmering they through the dark could spy,
Nor longer wish'd Sir Hagan in silence to abide.
"Who hunts us on the highway?" the deep-voiced warrior cried.
XVIII
The stern Bavarian Margrave Gelfrat gave answer back,
"We're seeking out our foemen, and close are on their track.
I know not who among you this morn my boatman slew;
He was a knight of prowess; his loss I surely rue."
XIX
Then answer'd he of Trony, "Was that same ferryman thine?
He would not put us over; the guilt, if guilt, is mine.
I slew him, I confess it, but what besides could I?
Myself first by his fury was all but done to die.
XX
"I offer'd gold and raiment for meed (what could I more?)
Into thy land, Sir Gelfrat, if he'd but put us o'er.
He flew into a fury, and caught me o'er the crown
With a heavy boat-pole, and knock'd me roughly down.