Those overweening champions the hall had enter'd now; Many a proud head among them was sudden taught to bow Beneath the deadly sword-strokes of the fierce warriors there. Well fought the valiant Gernot, well, too, young Giselher. L A thousand and four together had come into the hall; You might see the broadswords flashing rise and fall; Soon the bold intruders all dead together lay; Of those renown'd Burgundians strange marvels one might say. LI Thereafter reigned deep silence; the din of war was hush'd; Through every creak and cranny the blood on all sides gush'd From that huge hill of slaughter; red did the gutters run. So much was through their prowess by those of Rhineland done! LII With that the bold Burgundians sat down awhile to rest. His bloody sword and buckler down laid each panting guest. Still stood th' unwearied minstrel on guard the house before, To watch if any foeman should seek to force the door. LIII Sore wail'd the royal Etzel, sore too his lady wept, And sobbing dames and damsels like mournful concert kept. Fell Death, I ween, had taken his oath to do them ill. Alas! by those fierce strangers more were to perish still. THIRTY-SIXTH ADVENTURE HOW THE QUEEN GAVE ORDERS TO BURN DOWN THE HALL I "So now unlace your helmets," undaunted Hagan cried, "I and my comrade o'er you will watch lest harm betide, And should the men of Etzel again to fight come on, Be sure I will not dally, but warn my lords anon." II Then many a prowest champion disarm'd his lofty head; Down sat they on the corpses, that wide the floor bespread, And lay in blood before them as by their hands they died; Close still by Hate and Vengeance the noble guests were spied. III Not yet come on had evening, when the fierce king anew And vengeance-breathing Kriemhild to fight together drew The mighty men of Hungary; before him muster'd stood Better than twenty thousand prepar'd for blows and blood. IV Once more 'gainst the Burgundians a fearful strife arose; Dankwart before the portal among the clustering foes From his lords undaunted leapt forth with a light bound. 'Twas thought he long had perish'd; out stepp'd he safe and sound. V The deadly struggle lasted till it was stopp'd by night; The guests themselves defended 'gainst Etzel's men of might, As well became good warriors, all through a summer's day. Ah! what redoubted champions dead before them lay! VI 'Twas e'en on a midsummer befell that murderous fight, When on her nearest kinsmen and many a noble knight Dame Kriemhild wreak'd the anguish that long in heart she bore, Whence inly griev'd King Etzel, nor joy knew ever more. VII