XXVI
Back at once they hasted; when Folker this espied,
To his valiant partner in sudden wrath he cried,
"Now let me hence, friend Hagan, after yonder crew.
Fain would I to the skulkers a question put or two."
XXVII
"No! for my sake," said Hagan, "'twould to our loss redound;
If but this post you quitted, they all would flock you round,
And bring you to such peril if once they hemm'd you in,
That I should fly to help you; then ill would fare my kin;
XXVIII
"For while we two were fighting, and both in dubious case,
Three or four of yonder cowards might in a moment's space
Rush into the chamber, and on the sleepers set,
And do them all such mischief as we could ne'er forget."
XXIX
"Yet this at least allow me," the minstrel-knight replied,
"Let's show the men of Kriemhild, we have their steps espied,
That this to-morrow morning may be denied by none,
That they a shameful treason would willingly have done."
XXX
With that behind them Folker sent forth a lusty shout,
"How now, ye men of Kriemhild? Why walk ye, arm'd, about?
For murder or for robbery is it that ye ride?
My friend and I would help you, come take us on your side."