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XXIX.]

It brought to mind her sorrow; she fell to weeping then,

Whereat was mickle marvel among King Etzel’s men:

What could have thus so quickly troubled their lady’s mood?

She answer’d: “That hath Hagen, ye heroes bold and good.”

They spake unto the lady: “How can this thing have been

When we ourselves but lately have you so happy seen?

None can have been so hardy such evil to have wrought:

Else bid us to avenge it; his life shall go for naught.”

“For ever would I serve him who would my wrongs repay,

To give him all he ask’d for I would be ready aye.

Upon my knees I beg you,” so spake the royal wife,

“Avenge me now on Hagen, that he may lose his life.”

Then sixty gallant warriors girded their armour on,

Who, for the love of Kriemhild, were keen to set upon

And make an end of Hagen— the ever valiant one—

And likewise of the minstrel. ’Twas all with forethought done.

But when the queen beheld them, how small a band they made,

In grim and gloomy humour she to the heroes said:

“Ye must leave unaccomplish’d what ye would take in hand

Ay, never against Hagen so few will dare to stand!

“How strong and bold soever Hagen of Tronjé be,

The man who sits beside him is stronger far than he,

Volker, the fiddler, namely; he is an evil wight.

These heroes to encounter ye will not find so light.”