"I know them for so valiant that they will ne'er abstain, So let us pace our horses the slower o'er the plain, That nobody may fancy we rather flee than ride." "That counsel will I follow," young Giselher replied. IX "But who shall guide our party? This country's strange and lone." All shouted, "That shall Folker (for well to him are known The highways and the byways), the hardy minstrel good." They scarce had breath'd their wishes, when in his armor stood X The ever-ready gleeman; his helmet on he bound; He donn'd in haste his hauberk that brightly flash'd around, And to his spear-shaft fasten'd a pennon bloody red. Soon with the kings his masters to a dismal doom he sped. XI By this, to valiant Gelfrat his boatman's death was known; Swift-wing'd are evil tidings; the news as soon had flown To the redoubted Elsy; sore griev'd thereat were both. Straight summon'd they their vassals; all gather'd nothing loth; XII And I can well assure you, that scarce few hours were past, Ere, to find the wrong-doers, were pricking fiery fast A sturdy troop of warriors long prov'd in war before; In aid of noble Gelfrat seven hundred came or more. XIII All for revenge were thirsting, all eager for th' attack, Their warlike lords were foremost; too hotly in the track They follow'd of those strangers, and learnt it to their cost. Many a good friend soon after their valiant leaders lost. XIV Hagan the cautious Tronian their hasty counsels marr'd; How could a warrior better his friends and kinsmen guard? He took in charge the rearward, and there his men array'd With his brave brother Dankwart; all with one soul obey'd. XV The day had sunk and vanish'd; 'twas gloom and darkness all. He fear'd lest harm or danger his comrades should befall. Well marshall'd through Bavaria beneath their shields went they; Yet in short time their foemen assail'd them by the way. XVI On either side the highway, though nothing met their view, Hoofs heard they frequent trample, and close behind them too. Then out spoke fearless Dankwart, "Upon us is the foe; Bind fast your helmets, warriors; prudence would have it so." XVII Upon their march they halted, for now they were so nigh, That bucklers faintly glimmering they through the dark could spy, Nor longer wish'd Sir Hagan in silence to abide. "Who hunts us on the highway?" the deep-voiced warrior cried. XVIII The stern Bavarian Margrave Gelfrat gave answer back, "We're seeking out our foemen, and close are on their track. I know not who among you this morn my boatman slew; He was a knight of prowess; his loss I surely rue." XIX