At once outspake Sir Folker, "I needs must spoil his cheer;
Yonder ladies' darling must feel a push of spear.
No one shall prevent it—let him guard his life.
I reck not, though it kindle the wrath of Etzel's wife."
XL
"No! as you love me, Folker," straight the king 'gan say,
"The people all will blame us if we commence the fray.
Let the Huns begin it: 'twere better so, I ween."
Still was King Etzel sitting beside his moody queen.
XLI
"I'll join you in the tourney," fierce Hagan sternly cried;
"Let's show both knights and ladies how we Burgundians ride.
'Twere well, by proof they knew it; they'd rate us higher then.
Now they deny all credit to good King Gunther's men."
XLII
Back into the tourney swift Folker hotly spurr'd;
Thereby was many a lady to grievous sorrow stirr'd.
Right through that proud Hun's body he drove the griding spear.
That stroke both dames and damsels cost many a bitter tear.
XLIII
That saw at once Sir Hagan, nor dallying there abode;
With sixty of his champions, all thundering as they rode,
'Gainst th' Huns he hotly hurtled fast by the gleeman's side.
King Etzel and Queen Kriemhild the tourney closely eyed.