Now the host that they led to the war-shock in no more than a thousand was told, Save for those twelve knights of Siegfried. In clouds was the dust uprolled From the tramp of the mighty horse-hoofs as they charged across the field: Ever gleamed through the eddying darkness the glint of many a shield. Now nearer and nearer the Saxons drew, and the flashing was seen Of the tossing sea of their broadswords--O, the edges thereof were keen!-- Swung up, as telleth the story, in many a champion's hand. They were fain to thrust back the aliens from castle and from land. Onward the battle-marshals the ranks to the war-shock led, Onward withal Prince Siegfried with those his twelve knights sped Which companioning his journey afar from the Low Land went. Many a hand in the war-storm that day saw blood-besprent. Now Sindold and Hunold and Gernot in the forefront of battle smite, And many a hero falleth before them dead in the fight; Ere they could prove their valour they slept the iron sleep:-- Ah, for their fate must many a lovely lady weep! Volker and Hagen and Ortwein with shattering strokes made dim The splendour of many a helmet in the battle bitter-grim; For the blood streamed over the morions where the aweless heroes fought: Yea, many a marvel of prowess the hand of Dankwart wrought. {P. 28} Now the Danes are essaying how mighty are the broadswords that they wield: Loud rang the clashing and clanging of shield that shocked on shield; And the griding glaives keen-whetted made the hot blood spurt through the mail; Nor for nought did the battle-fearless Saxons their foes assail. Onward the fierce Burgundians through that war-thicket clave, And many a wound wide-gaping they dealt with the deadly glaive. All over the saddle-housings the blood ran streaming down: So strove those dauntless champions for the winning of renown. Far afront rang out the clashing of the helmet-sundering brand In the grasp of the mightiest champions, where the knights of Netherland Pressed after their lord on-charging through the heart of the battle-din: Those Twelve in knightly fashion, where Siegfried led, burst in. No man of the warriors of Rhineland could follow where these rode: From far they beheld the blood-streams as in sudden crimson they flowed Through the bright helms riven asunder by Siegfried's smiting hand, Till he found where Lüdiger battled afront of his own war-band. Three times through their reeling squadrons did the Son of Siegmund ride From end to end of their war-host--now Hagen fights at his side; Yea, mightily now doth he help him to accomplish his will in the fight. Borne down by their onset perished full many a valiant knight.