How they kept Guard
And now the day was ended and nearing was the night.
Came then the thought with longing unto each way-worn knight,
When that they might rest them and to their beds be shown.
'Twas mooted first by Hagen and straight was answer then made known.
To Etzel spake then Gunther: "Fair days may God thee give!
To bed we'll now betake us, an be it by thy leave;
We'll come betimes at morning, if so thy pleasure be."
From his guests the monarch parted then full courteously.
Upon the guests on all sides the Huns yet rudely pressed,
Whereat the valiant Volker these words to them addressed:
"How dare ye 'fore these warriors thus beset the way?
If that ye desist not, rue such rashness soon ye may.
"Let fall will I on some one such stroke of fiddle-bow,
That eyes shall fill
