LXXV
King Gunther and Sir Gernot in let him force his way
To take his life the surer; stern knights and fierce were they.
Young Giselher kept his distance; e'en yet he look'd for life,
So spar'd, though half unwilling, the father of his wife.
LXXVI
Forward the margrave's warriors leapt with fierce intent;
In their master's footsteps manfully they went.
Sharp-cutting blades they brandish'd as in close fight they strove,
And shiver'd many a buckler, and many a morion clove.
LXXVII
The guests, though faint and weary, dealt many a storm-swift blow
At those of Bechlaren, that deep and smooth did go
To flesh and bone and inward through links of iron weed.
They wrought in that stern struggle full many a doughty deed.
LXXVIII
The noble train of Rudeger now in had enter'd all.
Folker at once and Hagan leapt on them in the hall,
Nor quarter gave to any, but to that single man.
The blood beneath their broadswords down through the helmets ran.
LXXIX