en Volker inadvertently slays a
Hun, Kriemhild loudly clamors for vengeance, although her husband
implores that peace be maintained. Fomented by Kriemhild's secret
efforts, such bad feelings have arisen among the Huns against their
guests, that Etzel's own brother finally undertakes to compass their
death. Meantime the old king, having invited the Burgundians to a
banquet, is surprised to see the princes arrive fully armed, but tries
to show his friendship by promising they shall bring up his son.

_32d Adventure._ While the Burgundians are banqueting with the king of
Hungary, their men are resting in the hall where they slept, under the
charge of Dankwart, Hagen's brother. There they are suddenly attacked
by some Huns, and, although they manage to slay most of their first
assailants, the deaths they deal kindle lasting animosity in the
breast of the rest of the Huns. New forces therefore press into the
hall, until all the Burgundians are slain, save Dankwart, who, cutting
his way through the enemy's serried ranks, rushes into the hall where
his brother is feasting, and reports what has occurred.

"Be stirring, brother Hagen, you're sitting all too long.
To you and God in heaven our deadly strait I plain;
Yeomen and knights together lie in their quarters slain."

_33d Adventure._ No sooner has this cry reached his ear, than Hagen,
whipping out his sword, cuts off the head of Etzel's child, which
bounces into its mother's lap. Then, calling to his brother to prevent
any escape, Hagen shears off the hand of the minstrel who invited them
to Hungary, before he begins slashing right and left. Paralyzed by the
sight of their headless son, Etzel and Kriemhild sit immovable on
their thrones, while Hagen despatches Volker to help Dankwart guard
the door, and bids his masters make use of their weapons while they
may. Although the Burgundians now slay ruthlessly, mindful of the
kindness shown by Dietrich and Rudiger they refrain from attacking
them or their men. When these noblemen therefore beg permission to
pass out safely with their friends, their request is unquestionably
granted. Grasping the king and queen by the hand, Dietrich then leads
them out of the hall, closely followed by Rudiger and their respective
men, while the Burgundians continue the massacre until not a living
foe is left in the hall.

_34th Adventure._ Weary of slaughter, the Burgundians now sit down for
a moment to rest, but, finding the presence o