1535.
Then spake one of the mermaids, Hadburga was she hight:
“O Hagen, noble warrior, we’ll tell to thee aright,
How thou upon this journey unto the Huns shalt thrive,
If thou, bold thane, our raiment again to us wilt give.”
1536.
They floated like to sea-birds before him on the flood.
It seemed to him their foresight must needs be sure and good,
Whatever they should tell him he, therefore, would believe.
To whatsoe’er he ask’d them, wise answers they would give.
1537.
Said she: “To Etzel’s country ye certainly may take
This ride; and I am ready my faith thereon to stake,
That ne’er did heroes journey to any kingdom yet—
In truth ye may believe it— who did such honour get.”
1538.
This saying made Sir Hagen within his heart right gay,
Then gave he them their garments and made no more delay.
When they their wondrous raiment forthwith had donn’d again,
The way to Etzel’s country aright they did explain.
1539.
Then spake the other mermaid, her name was Siegelind:
“Thee, Hagen, son of Aldrian, to warn I have a mind.
False was it what my sister to get her clothing said:
For comest thou to Hunsland, thou’lt sorely be betray’d.
1540.
“Ay! homeward shouldst thou turn thee; yet is there time to spare:
Seeing that ye, bold heroes, have thus been bidden there,
That all of you may perish within King Etzel’s land.
Whoe’er goes riding thither hath Death at his right hand.”
