Thereupon Dietrich bade the ancient Hildebrand go to the Burgundians and learn more nearly of the matter, while overcome with grief he sat by the window to wait his return. As Hildebrand was about to depart, Wolfhart cried: “Nay, go not thus unarmed, good master, or perchance yon haughty chiefs will send thee back with insult. But an they see thou canst defend thyself, then they will spare thee such attack.” So the old hero donned mail and helm, and taking his sword and shield, rode forth. But the knights all followed, likewise fully armed; and when he asked the cause thereof, they said they would not that he came to harm. Meanwhile the Burgundians had borne the body of Rüdiger back within the hall; and as Volker spied Hildebrand and the knights, he warned his comrades of their approach. Whereupon Günther and Giselher strode to the window, Hagen following. The warriors drew rein in the courtyard, while Hildebrand lowered his shield and asked in Dietrich’s name if it was indeed true that they had slain Sir Rüdiger. For such foul wrong, he added, might not go unavenged. Hagen replied: “Heartily do I wish, Sir Hildebrand, that thou hadst been deceived. Yet it is true, alas! Noble Rüdiger lies dead in this hall, nor can his loss be bewailed too deeply!” Then arose a great cry of woe from Dietrich’s band, and many a bearded warrior’s cheeks were wet with tears. For sobbing, noble Hildebrand No question more could ask: Said he: “Now, knights, perform the will Of him who set the task! Give us, from out the hall forthwith Sir Rüdiger again, Whose death is cause of so much grief To all these warlike men. That we repay by obsequies His martial feats of yore And noble friendship shown to us, Now lost forevermore.” And Günther consented to this; but Wolfhart, who could no longer contain his wrath, demanded with threatening gestures how long they were to beg and wait for what they sought. Volker replied that none should bring it to them now; if they would have Rüdiger’s body they must come with their swords and fetch it themselves from out the hall. He added: “Such service, methinks, were but Sir Rüdiger’s due.” Furious at this, Wolfhart would have rushed at Volker, but Hildebrand withheld him by force. “Nay--curb thy headlong wrath! or thou wilt surely bring disgrace upon us all!” “Let loose, good master Hildebrand, That lion of rash mood, That he may come within my reach!” So said the minstrel good, “And though he may have slain a host Of valiant knights before, I’ll smite him such a stinging blow That he’ll reply no more.”