1511.
“We should indeed with gladness ride unto Etzel’s land:
There kings can have the service of many a hero’s hand,
When there we take our part in Kriemhilda’s revelry.”
Hagen the journey counsell’d: he rued it presently.
1512.
He would have been against it, if Gernot had not sought
With ill-adviséd speeches to set him so at naught:
Reminding him of Siegfried, the Lady Kriemhild’s lord;
Said he: “This ride to Hagen is therefore untoward.”
1513.
Then Hagen spake, of Tronjé: “Through fear I’ll not forego!
If such your will is, heroes, ’twere well to buckle to.
Gladly will I ride with you, e’en unto Etzel’s realm.”
Soon by his hand were shatter’d full many a shield and helm.
1514.
The boats were ready waiting, and many a man was there:
Whate’er they had of clothing on board forthwith they bare.
Unwearyingly wrought they until the fall of eve;
And full of joy and gladness at length their homes they leave.
1515.
Their tents and wooden cabins were pitch’d upon the green
Along the further Rhine-bank. When finish’d this had been,
The king’s fair wife besought him a while there to abide
For one night would she lay her his manly form beside.
1516.
With trumpeting and fluting the early morning brake,
To warn them to be starting: then did they ready make.
If any had a sweetheart her to his heart he laid;—
For them a bitter parting King Etzel’s wife soon made!
