LXXXI
Many, who there had heard him, and bore him mortal hate,
Had gladly set upon him; the king had done it straight
But for his word of honor; then ill had Hagan sped;
Soon worse did he to Ortlieb; in Etzel's sight he struck him dead.
THIRTY-SECOND ADVENTURE
HOW BLŒDEL WAS SLAIN
I
All the knights of Blœdel were ready in array;
With a thousand hauberks to the hall they took their way,
Where Dankwart at the table sat with the yeomen tall.
Straight among the warriors uprose a deadly brawl.
II
At once up to the tables Sir Blœdel fiercely strode,
When Dankwart this fair greeting on the stern knight bestow'd.
"Welcome, my lord, Sir Blœdel, you here are gladly seen.
We look'd not for your presence; what may this meeting mean?"
III
"Greet me not," said Blœdel, "'tis a waste of breath;
Know, my coming hither to thee must needs be death.
Thank thy brother Hagan who noble Siegfried slew.
Thou now shalt pay the Huns for it, thou and many another too."