(C) Ere this had the great King Etzel on a mansion spacious and fair Spent measureless toil and trouble, and nought for the cost did he care. Palace and tower rose stately, with chambers therein untold, And a lordly-fashioned feast-hall, in the midst of a great stronghold. (C) He had caused his wrights to uprear it long and wide and high, To lodge the knights unnumbered that sought to him ceaselessly, And all the host of his liegemen: for twelve kings mighty of sway, And warriors worship-worthy, had he in his war-band aye, { P. 248} (C) Yea, more than king had ever whose name to the minstrel is known. So lived he blithely with kinsmen and vassals about his throne; And the good King's halls with thronging and gladsome tumult were loud That rose from his valiant warriors, and his heart was high and proud.
XXX. How Hagen and Volker kept Watch while Men slept
By this was the daylight ended, and nearer the night-tide drew. But perplexed were the way-worn heroes, for as yet they nowise knew Where they should find them couches for the rest of the slumber-tide. Then Hagen put it to question, and by him were they certified. For unto their host spake Gunther: "God prosper you of his grace! We would fain go hence to our slumber: thou have us excused for a space. Tomorn we return right early, if this to the King seem best." Then the host with blithe leave-taking let all depart to their rest.
But the Queen's folk thronged and beset them, and pressed on every side. Then out spake Volker the dreadless, and unto the Huns he cried: "What mean ye to bar and to cumber our feet, discourteous crew? If ye from our path avoid not, mischief shall light upon you! Upon some this bow of my viol so heavily shall smite, That whoso there be that love them shall weep for their woeful plight. Hence from our path! Meseemeth it were best that ye block not our way! Knights these name them--but little enow of the knight have they!" The while that the viol-minstrel spake thus angerly, Around him Hagen the dauntless cast a scornful eye; And he said: "Ye have heard good counsel from the minstrel battle-keen. Get you hence to your lodging, ye men of Kriemhild the Queen! Whatsoe'er be your purpose of malice, now shall it nowise speed. Come early to us to-morrow, if ye fain would essay some deed, { P. 249} And leave us way-worn warriors to rest in peace this night. It was ever the wont of true men to do their deeds in the light."