[THIRTIETH] ADVENTURE
How they kept Guard
And now the day was ended / and nearing was the night.
Came then the thought with longing / unto each way-worn knight,
When that they might rest them / and to their beds be shown.
'Twas mooted first by Hagen / and straight was answer then made known.
To Etzel spake then Gunther: / "Fair days may God thee give!
To bed we'll now betake us, / an be it by thy leave;
We'll come betimes at morning, / if so thy pleasure be."
From his guests the monarch / parted then full courteously.
Upon the guests on all sides / the Huns yet rudely pressed,
Whereat the valiant Volker / these words to them addressed:
"How dare ye 'fore these warriors / thus beset the way?
If that ye desist not, / rue such rashness soon ye may.
"Let fall will I on some one / such stroke of fiddle-bow,
That eyes shall fill with weeping / if he hath friend to show.
Why make not way before us, / as fitting were to do!
Knights by name ye all are, / but knighthood's ways unknown to you."