ir grim foemen,
the leaders spurred hotly after the strangers, to be revenged. By the
which they lost many friends.

Hagen of Trony had so ordered it (how could a hero guard his kinsmen
better) that he brought up the rear with his vassals, and with Dankwart,
his brother. It was wisely done.

The day was far spent; the light failed. He feared greatly for his
comrades. They rode through Bavaria behind shields, and shortly after
were set upon.

On both sides, and close behind, they heard the trample of hoofs, and
spurred on. Then said bold Dankwart, "They will fall on us here. Ye did
well to bind on your helmets."

So they stopped, as needs was. Then they saw the glitter of shields in
the dark. Hagen held his peace longer, "Who follow us by the way?"

Gelfrat had to answer. Said the Margrave of Bavaria, "We seek our foemen
and follow on their track. I know not who slew my boatman to-day. He
was a valiant knight, and I grieve for his loss."

Then said Hagen of Trony, "Was the boatman thine? He would not ferry me
over. The blame is mine. I slew him. Certes, I had need. I had nigh
met my death at his hand. I offered him gold and raiment, Sir Knight, as
his meed for rowing us into thy land. So angry was he that he struck me
with his great oar, whereat I was grim enow. Then I seized my sword, and
defended me from his wrath with a grisly wound, whereby the hero
perished. I will answer for it as seemeth good to thee."

So they fell to fighting, for they were wroth. "I knew well," said
Gelfrat, "when Gunther crossed with his followers, that Hagen's insolence
would do us some hurt. Now he shall not escape us. His death shall pay
for the boatman's." Gelfrat and Hagen couched their lances to thrust
above their shields. Deadly was their hate. Elsy and Dankwart met
gallantly, and proven on each other was their might. They strove
grimly. How could heroes have fought better? Bold Hagen was knocked
back from off his horse by a strong blow from Gelfrat's hand. The
poitral brake asunder and he fell.

From the followers also rang the clash of spears. Hagen sprang up again
where he had fallen on the grass from the blow; not little was his wrath
against Gelfrat. I know not who held their horses. Hagen and Gelfrat
were both on the ground. They ran at each other, and their attendants
helped them and fought by them. For all Hagen's fierce onset, the noble
Margrave hewed an ell's length from his shield,