rove them to
it the more vehemently.

At last four of them made a combined attack on Walthar, but because of
the narrowness of the path they could not come at him with any better
success than could one single warrior, and they too were put out of the
fight.

Then Gunther was left alone and, fleeing to Hagen, besought him to come
to his aid. Long did Hagen resist his entreaties, but at last he was
moved by Gunther's description of the manner in which his kinsfolk had
been slain by Walthar. Hagen's advice was to lure Walthar into the open,
when both should attack him, so Hagen and the king departed and selected
a spot for an ambush, letting their horses go loose.

Uncertain of what had passed between Hagen and the king, Walthar decided
upon remaining in the cave till the morning, so after placing bushes
around the mouth of the cave to guard against a surprise, he gave thanks
to heaven for his victory.

Rising from his knees, he bound together the six horses which remained,
then, loosing his armour, comforted Hildegund as best he might and
refreshed himself with food, after which he lay down upon his shield and
requested the maiden to watch during his sleep. Although she was tired
herself, Hildegund kept awake by singing in a low tone. After his first
sleep Walthar rose refreshed, and bidding Hildegund rest herself, he
stood leaning upon his spear, keeping guard at the cave-mouth. When
morning had come he loaded four of the horses with spoils taken from
the dead warriors, and placing Hildegund on the fifth, mounted the sixth
himself. Then with great caution he sent forward first of all the
four laden horses, then the maiden, and closed the rear with the horse
bearing the two treasure-chests.

For about a mile they proceeded thus, when, looking backward, Hildegund
espied two men riding down the hill toward them and called to Walthar
to flee. But that he would not do, saying: "If honour falls, shame
shall attend my last hour." He bade her take the reins of Lion, his good
charger, which carried the gold, and seek refuge in the neighbouring
wood, while he ascended the hill to await his enemies.

Gunther advanced, hurling insulting epithets at the champion, who
ignored him, but turned to Hagen, appealing to their old friendship
and to the recollections of the many hours of childhood they had spent
together. He had thought that Hagen would have been the first to welcome
him, would have compelled him to accept his hospital