One there journeyed with them / from the land of Burgundy,
That was a knight of valor, / Volker by name was he.
He spake in cunning manner / whate'er might fill his mind,
And aught was done by Hagen / did the Fiddler fitting find.
Ready stood their chargers, / the carriers laden well;
At passage of the river / was there naught to tell
Of scathe to any happened, / save but the king's chaplain.
Afoot must he now journey / back unto the Rhine again.
[TWENTY]-SIXTH ADVENTURE
How Gelfrat was Slain by Dankwart
When now they all were gathered / upon the farther strand,
To wonder gan the monarch: / "Who shall through this land
On routes aright direct us, / that not astray we fare?"
Then spake the doughty Volker: / "Thereof will I alone have care."
"Now hark ye all," quoth Hagen, / "knight and squire too,
And list to friendly counsel, / as fitting is to do.
Full strange and dark the tidings / now ye shall hear from me:
Home nevermore return we / unto the land of Burgundy.