"None here will fetch him to you," the minstrel answer gave; "Enter the hall and take him, where lifeless lies the brave, Deep gash'd with gaping death-wounds, as in the blood he fell. 'Tis all you can do for him, and thus you'll serve him well." XXXIII "Sir gleeman," said fierce Wolfhart, "you've done us grievous ill. God knows, that you had better not move us further still. But for my lord's injunctions, you'd be in evil plight; Now we must pass it over; forbidd'n are we to fight." XXXIV Then spake the fiery minstrel, "His courage is but small, Who, soon as one forbids him, would fain pass over all. Such can I never reckon the mood of a true knight." His comrade's words Sir Hagan approv'd as just and right. XXXV "Persist not to provoke me," said Wolfhart, "or full soon Your strings, without your leave too, I'll put so out of tune, You'll have enough to talk of on your journey hence. No longer I with honor will bear your insolence." XXXVI Straight replied the minstrel, "Sir knight, howe'er you may Put my strings out of order and spoil my viol's play, This hand shall first dim sadly our helmets brilliancy, However chance may bring me back to fair Burgundy." XXXVII With that the furious Wolfhart had leapt upon him fain, But Hildebrand, his uncle, still held him back amain. "Thy silly rage would drive thee, I ween, to draw the sword, And so thou'dst lose forever the favor of my lord." XXXVIII "Let loose the lion, master, that storms so fierce and proud. If I can only reach him," the minstrel shouted loud, "Though all the world together his prowess may have slain, I'll strike him such a swordstroke, he'll ne'er reply again." XXXIX By this the Berner's fury was kindled to the height. His shield at once before him held Wolfhart the swift knight. Forward, like a wild lion, he darted to th' attack. A crowd of nimble followers cluster'd at his back. XL But swift as was the warrior, and swift as was his band, First at the foot of the staircase was aged Hildebrand. None would he have before him where'er a field was fought. Soon among the strangers found they what they sought. XLI Straight upon Sir Hagan leapt Master Hildebrand; The sword you might hear clatter in either champion's hand. Well might you note their fury by many a sturdy stroke. From their clashing broadswords a fire-red blast there broke. XLII Soon were they swept asunder by th' heady stream of fight; 'Twas done by the fierce Berners hurtling in their might. So from grim Sir Hagan turn'd off that aged man. Wolfhart meanwhile in fury at valiant Folker ran. XLIII