Low bowed them unto him all men, and thanked him courteously; Then on their beds they cast them. Few moments fleeted by Ere hero by goodly hero untroubled rest had won. And now 'gan Hagen the dreadless his harness of battle to don. Then answered the viol-minstrel, and the good thane Volker spake: "If thou scorn my request not, Hagen, with thee will I undertake This night the watching in armour, till the shadows flee away." Then heartily thanked he Volker, and thus did the warrior say: {P. 250} "Now God from his Heaven reward thee, Volker, of men most dear! In all my sorest peril would I have none other near Than thee alone, whensoever into hard straits I were brought. Full well will I requite thee, so death forestall me not." Then did these twain array them in mail bright-glittering; And over his arm his buckler did either warrior sling. Forth of the great hall went they afront of the door to stand, And they guarded the guests there lying with loyal heart and hand. Then Volker the battle-eager unclasped his buckler good From his arm, and upright set it, that propped by the wall it stood. Then unto where was his viol he turned him back again, And rendered his tired friends service worthy of such a thane. For under the great hall's doorway he sat on the threshold-stone-- More valiant viol-harper never hath mortal known. When the strings thrilled under his fingers and the soul of the viol woke, Low murmured their thanks unto Volker the proud, the homeless folk. The walls and the rafters echoed as the chords pealed loud and clear-- In might and in music-cunning was the hero without a peer:-- Then sweeter and softer they whispered like the ripple of murmuring streams, And so were the heavy-hearted lulled into happy dreams. So when all slumbered, and Volker was ware that their cares were stilled, Then over his arm the warrior drew once more his shield; And forth he strode from the portal, and afront of the door he stood To ward his friends and kinsmen from Kriemhild's avengers of blood.