Page:The Nibelungenlied - tr. Shumway - 1909.pdf/296



the two worshipful warriors parted, Hagen of Troneg and Sir Dietrich. Over his shoulder Gunther’s liegeman gazed for a comrade-at-arms, whom he then quickly won, Folker he saw, the cunning fiddler, stand by Giselher, and begged him to join him, for well he knew his savage mood. He was in all things a bold knight and a good. Still they let the lordings stand in the court, only these twain alone men saw walk hence far across the court before a spacious palace. These chosen warriors feared the hate of none. They sate them down upon a bench before the house over against a hall, the which belonged to Kriemhild. Upon their bodies shone their lordly weeds. Enow who gazed upon them would fain have known the knights; as wild beasts the haughty heroes were stared upon by the Hunnish men. Etzel’s wife, too, gazed upon them through a window, at which fair Kriemhild waxed sad again. Of her sorrows it minded her and she began to weep. Much it wondered Etzel’s men what had so quickly saddened her mood. Quoth she: “That Hagen hath done, ye heroes brave and good.”

To the lady they spake: “How hath that happed, for but newly we did see you joyful? None there be so bold, an’ he hath done you aught, but it will cost him his life, if ye bid us venge you.”

“Ever would I requite it, if any avenged my wrongs.