'Twas well for the Burgundians that vaulted was the roof; This was, in all their danger, the more to their behoof. Only about the windows from fire they suffer'd sore. Still, as their spirit impell'd them, themselves they bravely bore. XLII In such extremes of anguish pass'd off the dreary night. Before the hall yet sleepless stood the gleeman wight, And leaning on his buckler, with Hagan by his side, Look'd out, what further mischief might from the Huns betide. XLIII Then thus bespoke he Hagan, "Let's back into the hall; These Huns will then imagine that we have perish'd all In the fiery torment they kindled to our ill. They'll see yet some among us who'll do them battle still." XLIV Then the youthful Giselher, the bold Burgundian, spake, "Methinks the breeze is fresh'ning, the day begins to break. Better times may wait us--grant it God in heaven! To us my sister Kriemhild a fatal feast has given." XLV With that outspake a warrior, "Ay! now I see the day. Since we can hope no better in this our hard assay, Let each don straight the harness, and think upon his life; For soon will be upon us King Etzel's murderous wife." XLVI The host he little doubted but all the guests were dead, By toil and fiery torture alike so ill bestead. But yet within were living six hundred fearless wights; Crowned king about him ne'er had better knights. XLVII The scouts who watched the strangers, had now the truth descried, That, spite of all the travail and torment that had tried The strength of lords and liegemen, they had survived it all, And safe and sound as ever stalk'd up and down the hall. XLVIII 'Twas told the queen that many unharm'd were yet to see; "No! no!" made Kriemhild answer, "Sure it can never be That such a fiery tempest has spared a single head. Far sooner will I credit that one and all are dead." XLIX Still long'd both lords and liegemen for mercy and for grace, If they might look for either from any there in place; But neither grace nor mercy found they in Hunnish land, So vengeance for their ruin they took with eager hand. L And now by early morning a deafening hostile din Greeted the weary warriors; sore peril hemm'd them in. From all sides round, against them a shower of missiles flew; The dauntless band full knightly stood on defence anew. LI The mighty men of Etzel came on embolden'd more, For that they hoped from Kriemhild to win her precious store; And others, too, would frankly their king's command obey; Thus had full many among them to look on death that day. LII Of promises and presents strange marvels might be told. She bade bring bucklers forward heap'd high with ruddy gold; She gave to all who'd take it; none empty went away. Never were spent such treasures to work a foe's decay. LIII