Then spake the viol-minstrel: "Now go we into the hall. These Huns shall deem peradventure that their enemies one and all Be dead through the fiery torment wherewith we have been beset; But I ween there be some that in grapple of fight shall close with them yet." Then of the Princes Burgundian the youngest, Giselher, spake: "Lo now, a cold wind riseth: the day shall, I trow, soon break. May God in Heaven vouchsafe us that a happier day may dawn! To an ill high-tide by the bidding of my sister were we drawn!" Spake after a space another: "Now I discern the day. Then, seeing nought else remaineth, and for us there is but one way, E'en make you ready, my masters, as needeth to be done. At the least will we die with honour, seeing escape is none." {P. 291} Now thought, as he well might, Etzel that the guests by this were dead, Forspent with battle-travail and with flames encompassèd; Yet there six hundred warriors still dauntless stood at bay. No king on earth had ever better knights than they. Now the watchers that spied on the strangers full well by this were ware That many a guest was living, what grievous scathe soe'er And torment had been suffered by the kings and their warrior-band. They beheld in the blackened feast-hall a goodly company stand. Then one brought word unto Kriemhild that yet lived many a foe. "Nay," cried the Queen in amazement, "never can this be so-- Never, that one man living through such a fire could come! Nay, I must needs think rather that all have found one doom." Full fain would Princes and liegemen yet have been spared to live, Had any been moved by mercy that boon at the last to give. There was none: they could find no daysman in all the Hunfolk's land: Therefore did they for their slaying avenge them with willing hand. A sudden greeting received they in the first of the morning-red, Even a furious onslaught, that the heroes were hardly bestead. With javelins flying before it rolled up that battle-flood; Yet ever the knights unquailing with ranks unbroken stood. Now were the hosts of Etzel high-wrought and eager-souled, For they looked to win the guerdon of Kriemhild's lavished gold; And they burned to prove them loyal in fulfilling their King's command-- But for many an one doom waited, swift death was hard at hand. Of her gifts and her promises marvels now might the minstrel sing. She bade men bear upon bucklers the gold bright-glittering; And on all that desired and would take it freely did she bestow. Never was wealth so lavished to spur men against a foe.