The marshal with the squires / not in vain ye sought,
Dankwart the full valiant: / with him had he brought
His royal master's followers / of the land of Burgundy.
For the valiant Nibelungen / the steeds well saddled might ye see.
When their steeds they mounted, / the kings and all their men,
Volker thane full doughty, / gave his counsel then,
That after their country's fashion / they ride a mass mellay.
His rede the heroes followed / and tourneyed in full stately way.
The knight had counsel given / in sooth that pleased them well;
The clash of arms in mellay / soon full loud did swell.
Many a valiant warrior / did thereto resort,
As Etzel and Kriemhild / looked down upon the spacious court.
Came there unto the mellay / six hundred knights of those
That followed Dietrich's bidding, / the strangers to oppose.
Pastime would they make them / with the men of Burgundy,
And if he leave had granted. / had done the same right willingly.
In their company rode there / how many a warrior bold!
When unto Sir Dietrich / then the thing was told,
Forbade he that 'gainst Gunther's / men they join the play.
He feared lest harm befall them, / and well his counsel did he weigh.