About the dawn of morning / greeted they were again
With a vicious onslaught, / that paid full many a thane.
There was flung upon them / many a mighty spear,
While gallantly did guard them / the lofty thanes that knew not fear.
The warriors of Etzel / were all of eager mood,
And Kriemhild's promised bounty / win for himself each would;
To do the king's high bidding / did likewise urge their mind.
'Twas cause full soon that many / were doomed swift death in fight to find.
Of store of bounty promised / might wonders great be told,
She bade on shields to carry / forth the ruddy gold,
And gave to him that wished it / or would but take her store;
In sooth a greater hire / ne'er tempted 'gainst the foe before.
A mickle host of warriors / went forth in battle-gear.
Then quoth the valiant Volker: / "Still may ye find us here.
Ne'er saw I move to battle / warriors more fain,
That to work us evil / the bounty of the king have ta'en."
Then cried among them many: / "Hither, ye knights, more nigh!
Since all at last must perish, / 'twere better instantly;
And here no warrior falleth / but who fore-doomed hath been."
With well-flung spears all bristling / full quickly then their shields were seen.