But when the Hunnish knights had advanced a few steps they perceived the two watchers in the doorway, whereupon one said: “Now must we forego our purpose. Look, yonder stands the minstrel! His burnished helm gleams with vivid light, and sparks of living flame shoot from his mail. Hagen stands beside him to guard the door. Now of a truth those knights may safely rest for aught of me!” Therewith they stole softly away. Then Volker said: “What thinkest thou, Hagen? Shall I not after them? Gladly would I play a brief tune upon them with my sword-bow!” “An thou lov’st me, do not so!” rejoined Hagen quickly. “Wert thou sore pressed, then must I hasten to thy aid and leave the door unguarded.” But Volker persisted: “They shall know that we have marked their base intent, and so perchance be brought to shame.” Therewith he shouted scornfully: “Wherefore so fully armed at dead of night, O Kriemhild’s knights? Is it on highway robbery you are bent?” But the Huns made no answer; whereupon he cried again in wrath: “Fie upon you, dastard, craven crew, who sought to murder sleeping men! Lay down those swords from hands no longer fit to bear them!” Thus once again was Kriemhild’s purpose brought to naught, and she was forced to devise other measures to gain her ends. _Chapter XXV_ _The Burgundians go to Mass_ So the night passed, nor did the Huns again show themselves. “My armor grows chilly,” said Volker, at last, “methinks the fresh breeze betokens day is near.” And the two sentinels went within to awaken the sleepers. Soon thereafter the beams of the rising sun shone into the hall, the bell for matins sounded, and Hagen summoned the Burgundians to go to mass. The knights were about to array themselves in festival attire, but he bade them don their armor instead, change their silk garments for hauberks, rich mantles for shields, and jewelled caps for good steel helms; for strife would surely come ere set of sun and they must be prepared. “Now go ye to the minster church, Your sins there to confess; And pray to God right earnestly, For aid in our distress. For of a surety I do say, Ye heroes without fear, Unless the God above will save, No masses more ye’ll hear.” So it was that clad in full armor the Burgundians took their way in procession to the minster. When they were come to the churchyard, Hagen said: “Hearken to my counsel, knights and princes! We must be ever on our guard against the Huns, wherefore it were well to keep in close array. Place your shields before you, and should any chance to offer evil greeting, see that his death stroke be your thanks. If our courage fail not, our knightly honor shall yet remain unstained, though all beside be lost!” Thus man to man they stood, while Hagen and Volker advanced to the church door that they might thence keep watch of Kriemhild and her men.