IX

"In all the world before us such horror ne'er befell.

On me you've brought destruction and on yourselves as well.

All joys I had whatever, by you they all lie slain; Ne'er for his slaughtered kinsmen can Dietrich cease to plain."

X

"Nay," replied Sir Hagan, "we're not so much to blame; To this house in harness your eager warriors came, In one broad band advancing, embattled fierce and bold.

The truth, methinks, Sir Dietrich, you've not been fairly told."

XI

"How can I doubt the story? I heard from Hildebrand, That, when my trusty comrades of th' Amelungers' land Begg'd that the corpse of Rudeger you'd give them from the hall, They met with proud denial and mannerless scoffs withal."

XII

The Lord of Rhine then answer'd, "They sought to carry out The corpse of n.o.ble Rudeger; I, not from wish to flout Them, but in scorn of Etzel, what they desired, denied; Then in a moment Wolfhart began to chafe and chide."

XIII

Thereto replied the Berner, "Well then! so must it be.

Now by thy gentle breeding, King Gunther, list to me; For all the harm thou'st done me such satisfaction make As thou may'st give with honor, and I with honor take.

XIV

"Yield thee to me a captive, thou and thy valiant man, And surely I'll defend thee with all the strength I can From whatso'er against thee the vengeful Huns may do, And never shalt thou find me but faithful, kind, and true."

XV

"Now G.o.d in Heaven forbid it!" redoubted Hagan cried; "Never to thee shall yield them two knights of mettle tried, Who yet in their good harness unfettered stand and free, Ready to bid defiance to their foes, whoe'er they be."

XVI

"You ought not to deny me," Sir Dietrich answer made, "King Gunther and Sir Hagan; on my heart and soul you've laid Such overwhelming sorrow as you can ne'er requite, And, if amends you make me, you yield me but my right.

XVII

"My faith, besides, I'll give you, and my a.s.suring hand, That back I will ride with you to your Burgundian land, And bring you thither safely, or die with you along, And for your sakes forever forget my grievous wrong."

XVIII

"Demand of us no further," return'd Sir Hagan bold; "Ill would it become us, if it ever should be told, That two knights of such worship yielded at once to thee; For at thy side, save Hildebrand, there's not a soul to see."

XIX

Then spake Master Hildebrand, "G.o.d, Sir Hagan, knows, My lord's your true well-wisher; he treats you not as foes.

E'en now the hour is coming, his terms you'll gladly take.

Th' amends, that he proposes, you'd better frankly make.

XX

"So would I do far sooner," Sir Hagan made reply, "Than ever from a palace so like a coward fly, As you did, Master Hildebrand, but lately here in place.

I thought, i' faith, you better an opposite could face."

XXI

To him made answer Hildebrand, "Why twit you me with that?

Who was 't that by the Waskstone upon a buckler sat, While of his kin so many the Spaniard Walter slew?

Look to your own shortcomings; you'll have enough to do."

XXII

Then spake the good Sir Dietrich, "Ill fits it warriors bold Like two testy beldams to squabble and to scold.

I charge you, Master Hildebrand, urge this discourse no more.

I'm now a lonely wanderer; my sorrow whelms me o'er.

XXIII

"Now let me know, Sir Hagan," he thus pursued his speech, "What your two active champions were saying each to each, When thus equipp'd for battle you mark'd me drawing nigh.

Was it not, that you against me alone your strength would try?"

XXIV

"Neither of us denies it," thus Hagan sternly spoke, "I'd fain straight make the trial with many a st.u.r.dy stroke, Unless this my good weapon, the sword of Nibelung, break.

I'm wroth that you of both of us expect a prize to make."

XXV

Soon as heard Sir Dietrich what grim Hagan thought, Up to him his buckler quick the warrior caught.

How swift against him Hagan down the staircase dash'd!

Loud on the mail of Dietrich the sword of Nibelung clash'd.