Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/381

XXIX.]

“And some there are among them so exceeding broad of breast

That who would rest in surety hath little time to waste.

I ween, beneath their clothing, their hauberks bright they wear;

But whom therewith they threaten I nowise can declare.”

Then spake in mood of anger Hagen, the valiant one:

“For me, right well I know it, the whole of this is done,—

That thus their unsheath’d weapons they carry in the hand;

Yet will I, notwithstanding, ride to Burgundian land!

“Now say if thou, friend Volker, thine aid to me wilt lend,

If so be Kriemhild’s liegemen to fight with me intend?

That let me hear you promise, as I am dear to you;

And evermore I’ll answer to you with service true.”

“Ay, surely will I help thee,” the gallant minstrel spake:

“Saw I a king come hither, attack on us to make

With all his warriors round him, so long as I should live

I would not fail to help thee, and not a foot would give.”

“Thy service, noble Volker, may God in Heaven requite.

What further can I ask for, if thou by me wilt fight?

Since thou art fain to aid me, as I am glad to hear,

These blades may come and welcome with all their warlike gear.”

“Now from the seat upstand we,” then said the man of song:

“She is a sovereign lady; and let her pass along.

Let us that honour pay her, she is of noble birth,

Thereby our own condition shall seem of greater worth.”