1793.
It doubtless had befallen, whichever had begun
The strife, that these two comrades the honour would have won;
Seeing how oft in battle they gallantly had fought.
In dread the others shrank from the deed they had in thought.
1794.
Then spake one of the warriors: “Why look ye so on me?
From what I erewhile promised I would that I were free!
For sake of no one’s largesse would I forego my life.
Ay! to our ruin go we, led by King Etzel’s wife.”
1795.
Whereafter spake another: “To that same thought I hold;
Were anyone to give me whole towers of good red gold,
I’d care not to contend with that fiddler willingly,
For dread of the swift glances that in his eyes I see.
1796.
“Hagen have I known also, and from his early youth:
Thus little can be told me about that knight, forsooth!
In two-and-twenty battles I’ve seen him, in the strife;
Whereby hath heartfelt sorrow befallen many a wife.
1797.
“On many a foray went they, he and the Spaniard,
When they were here with Etzel; ofttimes a battle hard
They fought for the king’s honour; and many such befell;
Whereof one must of Hagen much to his honour tell.
1798.
“At that time this same warrior was but a child in years,
They who were then but youngsters, how gray are now their hairs!
Now he is come to wisdom, a man of ruth is he.
And eke he wieldeth Balmung, won by foul treachery.”
