Now did those thanes far-famous each from other turn

Now did those thanes far-famous each from other turn, Hagen the Lord of Troneg, and Dietrich the Hero of Bern. Then over his shoulder glancing did Gunther's liegeman gaze Keenly around for a comrade, and he marked him in little space. For anigh Prince Giselher standing Volker he straightway espied, Volker the viol-minstrel; and he prayed him, "Stand by my side!" For well had he proved his spirit, how grim he was in fight, And in all that a knight beseemeth a fearless warrior wight. The lords Burgundian left they standing amidst of the court; But the twain in the sight of all men strode with lion-port Alone across the bailey, and in front of a palace wide. They cared not who should withstand them, they faced all dauntless-eyed.

They sat them down on a settle before the palace-wall Over against the windows and the doors of the Queen's own hall. On their mighty limbs was gleaming their royal-rich array; And many an one who beheld them much marvelled who were they. Many an one of the Hunfolk, as on wild beasts of the wold, Gazed open-mouthed upon them, on the heroes haughty-souled. And Etzel's Queen through a casement beheld that terrible twain, And the heart of Kriemhild the comely was darkened afresh with pain. She thought upon all her sorrows, and she wept for grief and shame. Then on the thanes, the liegemen of Etzel, amazement came, As they marvelled what should have troubled the royal heart of the Queen; And she answered, "The deed was Hagen's, O good knights battle-keen." Hotly they answered their Lady: "What deed hath of him been done? Lo, of good cheer we beheld thee and blithe but a little agone.

Whosoever hath done thee a mischief, be he never so valorous, So thou but bid us avenge thee, with his life shall he answer to us." "Unto him for aye were I bounden who avenged me on my foe. What boon he may ask soever ready am I to bestow. I bow at your feet in suppliance!" cried King Etzel's wife. "Avenge me upon this Hagen! Let him forfeit limb and life!" Then armed them the valiant champions; sixty by tale they were: For love of their Lady Kriemhild forth of the hall would they fare And fall upon Hagen and smite him, the battle-dauntless lord, And with him the viol-minstrel: all they were of one accord.

But the Queen looked on her champions, and marked their slender array, And in wrathful indignation to the heroes did she say: "From such manner of desperate emprise, I counsel you, refrain! Ye be all too few to grapple with Hagen in battle-strain. How valiant and mighty soever the Hero of Troneg be, The man that sitteth beside him is mightier far than he, Volker the viol-minstrel: a very fiend he is. Ye may nowise meet yon heroes with so scanty a band as this." So when they had heard that warning, four hundred warriors more Clad them in battle-harness. With longing exceeding sore Was the heart of the Queen a-hungered for vengeance for her wrong. Therefrom were the valiant champions into grim straits brought ere long. And so soon as armed for the onset she saw her vassal-train, To the warriors battle-eager the Queen spake yet again: "Now tarry ye here for a season; stand ye still for a space. With my crown on mine head yon foemen will I first meet face to face. Hearken as I reproach him for the wrongs he hath done unto me, This Hagen of Troneg, vassal of Gunther of Burgundy. I know him so high-hearted, that his crime he will scorn to deny. What shall befall him thereafter from avengers nought care I."