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." Then brought they the guests Burgundian to a hall both great and wide; For all that throng of warriors was it dight for the slumber-tide With couches exceeding splendid: long and broad they were. --There trusted Kriemhild to tangle their feet in murder's snare. With tapestries of Arras were the couches overspread. Wrought all of radiant loomwork, and strown was every bed With glistering silks Arabian, the richest that eye hath seen, And coverlets lay thereover that gleamed with lordly sheen. And rich rugs, some of ermine fashioned, lay in sight, And some of the dusky sable, whereunder through the night They should rest them lying softly till shone the light of day. Sooth, never a king with his vassals in state more lordly lay. "Alas for the place of our resting!" the young Prince Giselher cried, "And alas for our friends and our kinsmen that hither with us have hied! With what fair words soever my sister hath bidden us come, We have won, I sorely fear me, through her hate to the Net of Doom!" "Nay then, put by misgivings," said Hagen, "and rest you well. Myself will to-night be your watchman and slumber-sentinel, And faithfully will I guard you till morning bringeth the day. Fear nought till then: thereafter let him keep his head who may."