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Gunther and his companions approach Walther’s camp; Hagen unsuccessfully tries to dissuade the king from attacking it (513–531)

But Gunther, when he saw their footprints in the dust,
Goads his swift-footed charger on with savage spurs;
Rejoicing vainly in his mind, he tells the winds: 515
“Hurry, men; soon now you will seize him on his way.
Today he’ll not escape, but lose his stolen treasure.”
But famous Hagen in reply said this at once:
“Just one thing will I say to you, most brave of kings;
If you had seen him fight and had seen Walter rage 520
With fresh-spilled blood as often as I have, perhaps
You would not think despoiling him so light a task.
I saw the forces of Pannonia, when they
Waged war against the northern or the southern regions.
And there, resplendent in his valor, Walter stalked, 525
A marvel to his friends, a terror to his foes.
Whoever faced that man soon saw the underworld.
O king and counts, trust one who knows how high he lifts
His shield, with what rapidity he hurls his spear.”
While Gunther, burdened by an insane mind, could not 530
In any way be turned aside, they neared the stronghold.

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Note: this English text is identical to that found in Waltharius and Ruodlieb, edited and translated by Dennis M. Kratz. The Garland library of medieval literature, Series A, vol. 14. New York: Garland Pub., 1984.