evermore given against foes. To the hall a mickle force of well-armed
warriors marched.

Then cried bold Folker: "We're here again, ye see. Never saw I heroes
more gladly come to fight than these that have taken the king's gold to
do us scathe."

Then enow did call: "Nearer, heroes, nearer, that we may do betimes what
we must bring to an end. Here dieth none that is not doomed to die."

Soon their shields were seen sticking full of darts that had been
thrown. What more can I say? Full twelve hundred men tried hard to match
them, surging back and forth. The strangers cooled well their mood with
wounds. None might part the strife, and so blood was seen to flow from
mortal wounds, many of which were dealt. Each one was heard to wail for
friends. All the great king's doughty warriors died, and loving kinsmen
mourned them passing sore.

ADVENTURE XXXVII. How Margrave Rudeger Was Slain.

The strangers had done full well at dawn. Meanwhile Gotelind's husband
came to court. Bitterly faithful Rudeger wept when he saw the grievous
wounds on either side. "Woe is me," quoth the champion, "that I was ever
born, sith none may stay this mickle grief! However fain I would make
for peace, the king will not consent, for he seeth ever more and more
the sufferings of his men."

Then the good Knight Rudeger sent to Dietrich, if perchance they might
turn the fate of the high-born kings. The king of Berne sent answer:
"Who might now forfend? King Etzel will let none part the strife."

Then a Hunnish warrior, that saw Rudeger stand with weeping eyes, and
many tears had he shed, spake to the queen: "Now behold how he doth
stand, that hath the greatest power at Etzel's court and whom both lands
and people serve. Why have so many castles been given to Rudeger, of
which he doth hold such store from the king in fief? Not one sturdy
stroke hath he dealt in all this strife. Methinks, he recketh not how it
fare here at court, sith he hath his will in full. Men say of him, he be
bolder than any other wight. Little hath that been seen in these parlous
(1) days."

Sad in heart the faithful vassal gazed at him whom he heard thus speak.
Him-thought: "Thou shalt pay for this. Thou sayest, I be a craven, and
hast told thy tale too loud at court."

His fist he clenched, then ran he at him and smote the Hunnish man
so mightily that he lay dead at his feet full soon. Through this King
Etzel's woe grew greater.

"Away, thou arrant coward," crie