Many a furious blow the noble margrave struck. The twain, Folker
and Hagen, stepped further back, as they had vowed to him afore. Still
he found standing by the tower such valiant men, that Rudeger began the
fight with anxious doubts. With murderous intent Gunther and Gernot let
him in, good heroes they! Giselher stood further back, which irked him
sore, in truth. He voided Rudeger, for still he had hope of life. Then
the margrave's men rushed at their foes; in knightly wise one saw them
follow their lord. In their hands they bare their keen-edged swords,
the which cleft there many a helm and lordly shield. The tired warriors
dealt the men of Bechelaren many a mighty blow, that cut smooth and deep
through the shining mail, down to the very quick.

Rudeger's noble fellowship was now come quite within. Into the fight
Folker and Hagen sprang anon. They gave no quarter, save to one man
alone. Through the hands of the twain the blood streamed down from
the helmets. How grimly rang the many swords within! The shield plates
sprang from their fastenings, and the precious stones, cut from the
shields, fell down into the gore. So grimly they fought, that men will
never do the like again. The lord of Bechelaren raged to and fro, as
one who wotteth how to use great prowess in the fray. Passing like to
a worshipful champion and a bold did Rudeger bear him on that day. Here
stood the warriors, Gunther and Gernot, and smote many a hero dead in
the fray. Giselher and Dankwart, the twain, recked so little, that
they brought full many a knight to his last day of life. Full well did
Rudeger make appear that he was strong enow, brave and well-armed. Ho,
what knights he slew! This a Burgundian espied; perforce it angered him,
and thus Sir Rudeger's death drew near.

The stalwart Gernot accosted the hero; to the margrave he spake: "It
appeareth, ye will not leave my men alive, most noble Rudeger. That
irketh me beyond all measure, no longer can I bear the sight. So may
your present work you harm, sith ye have taken from me such store of
friends. Pray address you unto me, most noble man and brave, your gift
shall be paid for as best I can."

Or ever the margrave could reach his foe, bright armor rings must needs
grow dull with blood. Then at each other sprang these honor-seeking men.
Either gan guard him against mighty wounds. So sharp were their swords,
that naught might avail against them. Then Rudeger, the knight, smote
Gernot a buffet t