XXX
Irnfried then and Hawart into the tourney rode.
Proudly the bold Burgundians their sturdy brunt abode.
The noble knights of Thüringen they met in many a joust,
And many a glittering buckler pierc'd through with many a thrust.
XXXI
Sir Blœdel with three thousand rode forward frank and free;
By Etzel and by Kriemhild full well observ'd was he;
Before them both, his tilting perform'd each gallant knight;
Through hate to the Burgundians it gave the queen delight.
XXXII
She ponder'd thus in secret (as nigh to pass it came),
"Should they by chance hurt any, at once this gentle game
Would turn to bloody earnest; then I on these my foes
Should be reveng'd for ever, and quit of all my woes."
XXXIII
Schrutan and stout Gibek into the tourney rode,
And Ramung and swift Hornbog after the Hunnish mode.
Against the bold Burgundians they knightly bore them all;
High flew the whizzing splinters o'er the king's mighty hall.
XXXIV
And yet all their performance was but an empty sound.
Hall might you hear and palace with clashing shields resound,
Where rode the men of Gunther: by them proud deeds were done.
His train of that fair tourney the highest honors won.