had wrought
sprang towards the hero of the Burgundian land. "Now would to God,"
quoth Dankwart, "that I might find a messenger who could let my brother
Hagen know I stand in such a plight before these knights. He would help
me hence, or lie dead at my side."

Then spake the Hunnish champions: "Thou must be the messenger thyself,
when we bear thee hence dead before thy brother. For the first time
Gunther's vassal will then become acquaint with grief. Passing great
scathe hast thou done King Etzel here."

Quoth he: "Now give over these threats and stand further back, or I'll
wot the armor rings of some with blood. I'll tell the tale at court
myself and make plaint to my lords of my great dole."

So sorely he dismayed King Etzel's men that they durst not withstand
him with their swords, so they shot such great store of darts into his
shield that he must needs lay it from his hand for very heaviness. Then
they weened to overpower him, sith he no longer bare a shield. Ho, what
deep wounds he struck them through their helmets! From this many a brave
man was forced to reel before him, and bold Dankwart gained thereby
great praise. From either side they sprang upon him, but in truth a many
of them entered the fray too soon. Before his foes he walked, as doth a
boar to the woods before the dogs. How might he be more brave? His path
was ever wot with recking' blood. Certes, no single champion might ever
fight better with his foes than he had done. Men now saw Hagen's brother
go to court in lordly wise. Sewers (4) and cupbearers heard the ring of
swords, and full many a one cast from his hand the drink and whatever
food he bare to court. Enow strong foes met Dankwart at the stairs.

"How now, ye sewers," spake the weary knight. "Forsooth ye should serve
well the guests and bear to the lords good cheer and let me bring the
tidings to my dear masters."

Those that sprang towards him on the steps to show their prowess, he
dealt so heavy a sword-stroke, that for fear they must needs stand
further back. His mighty strength wrought mickle wonders.

ENDNOTES:
(1) Adventure XXXII. The details of the following scenes differ
materially in the various sources. A comparative study of
them will be found in the works of Wilmanns and Boer.
(2) "Marriage morning gift" (M.H.G. "morgengabe") was given by
the bridegroom to the bride on the morning after the
wedding. See Adventure XIX, note 1.