When back they were returnéd / where did the scathe befall,
Outspake of Tronje Hagen: / "Now look ye, warriors all,
Who of our tale is lacking, / or who from us hath been
Here in battle riven / through the doughty Gelfrat's spleen."
Lament they must for warriors / four from them were ta'en.
But paid for were they dearly, / for roundabout lay slain
Of their Bavarian foemen / a hundred or more.
The men of Tronje's bucklers / with blood were wet and tarnished o'er.
From out the clouds of heaven / a space the bright moon shone.
Then again spake Hagen: / "Bear report let none
To my beloved masters / how we here did fare.
Let them until the morrow / still be free from aught of care."
When they were back returnéd / who bore the battle's stress,
Sore troubled was their company / from very weariness.
"How long shall we keep saddle?" / was many a warrior's quest.
Then spake the valiant Dankwart: / "Not yet may we find place of rest,
"But on ye all must journey / till day come back again."
Volker, knight of prowess, / who led the foremost train,
Bade to ask the marshal: / "This night where shall we be,
That rest them may our chargers, / and eke my royal masters three?"