For many a day thereafter his sway did Ireland bless

For many a day thereafter his sway did Ireland bless, And never did his greatness at any time grow less. To all he freely listened; the poor man’s wrongs he righted; Widely known was his goodness; no truer knight than he his word e’er plighted.

His boundless acres yielded a full and ready gain; His wife was known for wisdom, and worthy to be his queen. To hold her as their mistress full thirty lords it booted; As long as the sway she wielded, her hand to each his lands and home allotted.

She bore unto her husband, within the next three years, A child to see most comely; (such is the tale one hears.) When later he was christened, and they were told to name him, They gave the name of Hagen; and never since, the tale of his life doth shame him.

He had most careful breeding, and kindly was he nursed; Should he be like his fathers, he would of knights be first. Watched over by wise women, and by maidens of early age, His father and fond mother found in his face their glad eyes’ pasturage.