"Well knew I Aldrian," spake he: "my liegeman he was of old. Praise at my court he won him and honour manifold: Yea, and of me was he knighted, and I gave him gold and gear; And my true and faithful Lady, Helka, held him dear. Well known thereafter was Hagen unto me: in years long fled As hostages high-born children twain to my land I led, Even him and Walter the Spaniard. Here unto men grew they, Till I sent home Hagen; but Walter with Hildegund fled away." So mused he on days passed over and deeds done long agone, And his warrior-friend of Troneg whom there of old he had known, Who in youth had rendered him service in many a strenuous day, But now in his age was destined a host of his friends to slay. XXIX. How Hagen refused to rise up in Presence of the Queen {P. 240} Now did those thanes far-famous each from other turn, Hagen the Lord of Troneg, and Dietrich the Hero of Bern. Then over his shoulder glancing did Gunther's liegeman gaze Keenly around for a comrade, and he marked him in little space. For anigh Prince Giselher standing Volker he straightway espied, Volker the viol-minstrel; and he prayed him, "Stand by my side!" For well had he proved his spirit, how grim he was in fight, And in all that a knight beseemeth a fearless warrior wight. The lords Burgundian left they standing amidst of the court; But the twain in the sight of all men strode with lion-port Alone across the bailey, and in front of a palace wide. They cared not who should withstand them, they faced all dauntless-eyed.