"Let not a soul forth sally; their courage soon we'll tame; I'll straight at the four corners bid set the hall on flame, And thus will I revenge me at once for all my woes." Quick Etzel's knights made ready, and fell upon her foes. XXXI Who yet without were standing, they instant drove within By dint of darts and broadsword; deafening rose the din; Yet naught their valiant followers could from the princes part; Close link'd they stood together with fix'd and faithful heart. XXXII With that, the wife of Etzel bade set the hall on fire. How sore then were they tortur'd in burning anguish dire! At once, as the wind freshened, the house was in a glow. Never, I ween, were mortals in such extremes of woe. XXXIII "We all are lost together," each to his neighbor cried, "It had been far better we had in battle died. Now God have mercy on us! woe for this fiery pain! Ah! what a monstrous vengeance the bloody queen has ta'en!" XXXIV Then faintly said another, "Needs must we here fall dead! What boots us now the greeting, to us by Etzel sped? Ah me! I'm so tormented by thirst from burning heat, That in this horrid anguish my life must quickly fleet." XXXV Thereat outspake Sir Hagan, the noble knight and good, "Let each, by thirst torment'd, take here a draught of blood. In such a heat, believe me, 'tis better far than wine. Naught's for the time so fitting; such counsel, friends, is mine." XXXVI With that straight went a warrior, where a warm corpse he found. On the dead down knelt he; his helmet he unbound; Then greedily began he to drink the flowing blood. However unaccustom'd, it seem'd him passing good. XXXVII "Now God requite thee, Hagan," the weary warrior cried, "For such refreshing beverage by your advice supplied. It has been my lot but seldom to drink of better wine. For life am I thy servant for this fair hint of thine." XXXVIII When th' others heard and witness'd with what delight he quaff'd, Yet many more among them drank too the bloody draught, It strung again their sinews, and failing strength renew'd. This in her lover's person many a fair lady rued. XXXIX Into the hall upon them the fire-flakes thickly fell; These with their shields they warded warily and well. With smoke and heat together they were tormented sore. Never, I ween, good warriors such burning anguish bore. XL Through smoke and flame cried Hagan, "Stand close against the wall; Let not the burning ashes on your helm-laces fall; Into the blood yet deeper tread every fiery flake. In sooth, this feast of Kriemhild's is ghastly merry-make." XLI