using his sword. Compare the similar description in the
"Hildebrandslied", 37, where we are told that gifts should
be received with the spear.
(10) "Goods". In the "Thidreksaga" the ferryman desires the ring
for his young wife, which explains better the allusion to
marriage and the desire for wealth.
(11) "To-broke", see Adventure II, note 9.
(12) "Clerk", 'priest'.

ADVENTURE XXVI (1) How Gelfrat Was Slain By Dankwart.

Now when all were come upon the shore, the king gan ask: "Who will show
us the right roads through this land, that we go not astray?"

Then the sturdy Folker spake: "For this I alone will have a care."

"Now hold," quoth Hagen, "both knight and squire. Certes, me-thinketh
right that we should heed our friends. With full monstrous tales I'll
make you acquaint: we shall never come again to the Burgundian land.
Two mermaids told me early in the morning that we should not come back
again. I will now counsel you what ye do: ye must arm you, ye heroes,
for we have mighty foes. Ye must guard you well and ride in warlike
guise. I thought to catch these mermaids in a lie. They swore that none
of us would come home safe and sound, save the chaplain alone. Therefore
would I fain have drowned him to-day."

These tidings flew from band to band and valiant heroes grew pale from
woe, as they began to fear a grewsome death on this journey to Etzel's
court. Forsooth they had great need. When they had crossed at Moering,
(2) where Else's ferryman had lost his life, Hagen spake again: "Sith I
have gained me foes upon the way, we shall surely be encountered. I slew
this same ferryman early on the morn to-day. Well they wot the tale. Now
lay on boldly, so that it may go hard with Gelfrat and Else, should they
match our fellowship here to-day. I know them to be so bold that 'twill
not be left undone. Let the steeds jog on more gently, that none ween we
be a-fleeing on the road."

"This counsel I will gladly follow," quoth Giselher, the knight; "but
who shall guide the fellowship across the land?"

They answered: "This let Felker do; the valiant minstrel knoweth both
road and path."

Ere the wish was fully spoken, men saw the doughty fiddler standing
there well armed. On his head he bound his helmet, of lordly color was
his fighting gear. On his spear shaft he tied a token, the which was
red. Later with the kings he fell into direst need.

Trustworthy tidings of