"Another mate to-morrow may wed the widow'd dame;
I'll pay him with like measure, should he the dowry claim."
(A faithful Hun that morning had told him underhand,
That deadly fraud against them the vengeful queen had plann'd.)
IX
When Blœdel's men their master saw dead upon the floor,
Such loss from the fierce strangers they could endure no more.
On squires at once and yeomen with high rais'd swords they flew
In deadly wrath; full many that hour had cause to rue.
X
To his train shouted Dankwart, loud o'er the crash and din,
"Ye see, bold squires and yeomen, what danger hems us in.
Fight for your lives, ye friendless! in sooth we're foully shent,
For all the loving greetings that fraudful Kriemhild sent."
XI
They, who had not their broadswords, benches asunder tore,
Or many a chair and footstool snatch'd up from the floor.
The bold Burgundians stay'd not, but all for weapons used;
Heads with heavy settles were pummel'd sore and bruis'd.
XII
How fiercely the lorn strangers themselves defended there!
Out they drove their foemen all weapon'd as they were;
Yet, within, five hundred were lifeless left or more.
Dankwart's men pursued them dripping red with gore.