Seeing him thus unshielded, they fiercer forward drove; How then with deadly gashes the shields and helms he clove! Down perforce before him stoop'd many a lofty knight. What praise was then Sir Dankwart's, alone to sway the fight! XXVI They rush'd at him from both sides; none then would keep aloof; But, match'd with him, found many most speed was least behoof. Right through his foes the champion made his red passage good As through the dogs the wild-boar amidst the echoing wood. XXVII Ever the ground beneath him with smoking gore was wet. When better fought a champion with countless foes beset? So to court before them, along his bloody road, Unconquer'd still and stately fierce Hagan's brother strode. XXVIII Cupbearers and servers heard sword-strokes clashing nigh. Dainty drinks and dishes they threw in hurry by, The which they in were bringing upon the board to set. A crowd of sturdy foemen e'en on the stairs he met. XXIX "How now, ye servers?" said Dankwart with bloody toil oppress'd, "'Tis your's to feed the hungry, and cheer the thirsty guest, And store of savory viands to feasting knights to bear; Give place, for I would something to my good lords declare." XXX All, who dar'd confront him as up the stairs he flew, Met with such fearful slashes, that soon at distance due From that weighty broadsword stood trembling every one. Such surpassing wonders by Dankwart's strength were done. THIRTY-THIRD ADVENTURE HOW THE BURGUNDIANS FOUGHT WITH THE HUNS I Soon as the fearless warrior beneath the lintel hied, He bade the men of Etzel keep distance yet more wide. The blood from that fierce combat down all his armor pour'd, And in his hand uplifted he held his naked sword. II Just at the very moment that in burst Dankwart so, It chanc'd the young Prince Ortlieb was carried to and fro From table unto table; the news of that fell strife, So sudden brought among them, cost the fair child his life. III To a good knight then Dankwart shouted loud and strong, "Be stirring, brother Hagan, you're sitting all too long. To you and God in heaven our deadly strait I plain; Yeomen and knights together lie in their quarters slain." IV "Tell me who has done it?" Hagan fiercely cried. "Sir Blœdel and his meiny," Dankwart straight replied, "And paid too has he dearly; he's dead among the dead; This hand from off his shoulders smote at a stroke his head." V "Small is the loss," said Hagan, "whenever one can tell That a vanquish'd hero by hands heroic fell. Thus it still befitteth a knight to yield his breath; So much the less fair ladies should sorrow for his death. VI