Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/479

XXXIX.]

Bethought him then Lord Dietrich: “Thou’rt weaken’d by the strife,

I should have little honour were I to take thy life.

Sooner will I make trial, if I may thee compel

To be to me a hostage.” With trouble this befell.

He let his shield fall downwards— great was his strength of limb,

And Tronian Hagen clasp’d he close in his arms to him.

And thus was captive taken by him that gallant man;

Whereat the noble Gunther sorely to grieve began.

Then Dietrich led forth Hagen, fast bound, to where her stand

The noble queen had taken; and gave into her hand

The boldest of all warriors that ever weapon bare;—

Then had she joy in plenty for all her bitter care.

For thanks the wife of Etzel unto the thane bent low:

“In heart and eke in body for ever blest be thou!

Now hast thou well repaid me for my unhappy lot;

For this I’ll ever serve thee if death prevent me not.”

Then answer’d the Lord Dietrich: “His life thou e’en must spare,

O noble queen! Then haply thou mayst become aware

How well he will atone for all he hath done to thee!

He must no whit be worsen’d, that him in bonds ye see.”

She bade them carry Hagen to durance vile away,

nd there imprison’d straitly unseen of men he lay.

Gunther the noble sovran aloud began to cry:

“Where went that chief of Bern? He hath done me injury.”