LVIII

"That will I do and gladly," the youthful knight replied, "But should my high-born kinsmen, who here within abide, Once die by thee, no longer could I thy friend be styl'd; My constant love 'twould sever from thee and from thy child."

LIX

"Then G.o.d have mercy on us!" the valiant margrave said.

At once their shields they lifted, and forward fiercely sped In the hall of Kriemhild to force the stranger crowd.

Thereat down from the stair-head Sir Hagan shouted loud,

LX

"Tarry yet a little, right n.o.ble Rudeger!

I and my lords a moment would yet with you confer; Thereto hard need compels us, and danger gathering nigh; What boot were it for Etzel though here forlorn we die?

LXI

"I'm now," pursued Sir Hagan, "beset with grievous care; The shield that Lady Gotelind gave me late to bear, Is hewn and all-to broken by many a Hunnish brand.

I brought it fair and friendly hither to Etzel's land.

LXII

"Ah! that to me this favor heaven would be pleas'd to yield That I might to defend me bear so well-prov'd a shield, As that, right n.o.ble Rudeger, before thee now display'd!

No more should I in battle need then the hauberk's aid."

LXIII

"Fain with the same I'd serve thee to th' height of thy desire, But that I fear, such proffer might waken Kriemhild's ire.

Still, take it to thee, Hagan, and wield it well in hand.

Ah! might'st thou bring it with thee to thy Burgundian land!"

LXIV

While thus with words so courteous so fair a gift he sped, The eyes of many a champion with scalding tears were red.

'Twas the last gift, that buckler, e'er given to comrade dear By the Lord of Bechlaren, the blameless Rudeger.

LXV

However stern was Hagan, and of unyielding mood, Still at the gift he melted, which one so great and good Gave in his last few moments, e'en on the eve of fight, And with the stubborn warrior mourn'd many a n.o.ble knight.

LXVI

"Now G.o.d in heaven, good Rudeger, thy recompenser be!

Your like on earth, I'm certain, we never more shall see, Who gifts so good and gorgeous to homeless wanderers give.

May G.o.d protect your virtue, that it may ever live!

LXVII

"Alas! this b.l.o.o.d.y business!" Sir Hagan then went on, "We have had to bear much sorrow, and more shall have anon.

Must friend with friend do battle, nor heaven the conflict part?"

The n.o.ble margrave answer'd, "That wounds my inmost heart."

LXVIII

"Now for thy gift I'll quit thee, right n.o.ble Rudeger!

Whate'er may chance between thee and my bold comrades here, My hand shall touch thee never amidst the heady fight, Not e'en if thou should'st slaughter every Burgundian knight."

LXIX

For that to him bow'd courteous the blameless Rudeger.

Then all around were weeping for grief and doleful drear, Since none th' approaching mischief had hope to turn aside.

The father of all virtue in that good margrave died.

LXX

Then from the house call'd Folker, the minstrel good at need, "Now that my comrade Hagan has to this truce agreed, From my hand too, Sir Rudeger, take firm and sure the same.

You've ever well deserv'd it since to this land we came.

LXXI

"For me, most n.o.ble margrave! you must a message bear; These bracelets red were given me late by your lady fair, To wear at this high festal before the royal Hun.

View them thyself, and tell her that I've her bidding done."

LXXII

"Ah! might it please th' Almighty," Sir Rudeger replied, "That the margravine hereafter should give you more beside!

Yet doubt not, n.o.ble Folker, I'll bear this message fain To my true love and lady, if e'er we meet again."

LXXIII

So promis'd gentle Rudeger, nor longer dallied yet; Up his shield he lifted, and forward fiercely set.

He leapt on the Burgundians like a prowest knight; Many a swift stroke among them he struck to left and right.