"So keen they are, well know I / the thing they'll not forego.
Your horses therefore shall ye / make to pace more slow,
That never man imagine / we flee away in fear."
"That counsel will I follow," / spake the young knight Giselher.
"Who will guide our vanguard / through this hostile land?"
"Volker shall do it," spake they, / "well doth he understand
Where leadeth path and highway, / a minstrel brave and keen."
Ere full the wish was spoken, / in armor well equipped was seen
Standing the doughty Fiddler. / His helmet fast he bound,
And from his stately armor / shot dazzling light around.
Eke to a staff he fastened / a banner, red of hue.
Anon with royal masters / came he to sorest sorrow too.
Unto Gelfrat meanwhile / had sure tidings flown,
How that was dead his boatman; / the story eke was known
Unto the doughty Else, / and both did mourn his fate.
Their warriors they summoned, / nor must long time for answer wait.
But little space it lasted / —that would I have you know—
Ere that to them hasted / who oft a mickle woe
Had wrought in stress of battle / and injury full sore;
To Gelfrat now came riding / seven hundred knights or more.