XXIII "Good Lord of Rhine," said Hagan, "much mischief here may be, Much may'st thou have to suffer, as thou thyself may'st see. Strong is the flood and furious, the stream can ill be cross'd. Many a good knight, I fear me, will here to-day be lost." XXIV "Why dost thou check me, Hagan?" the troubled king 'gan say; "Do not, as thou are valiant, the daunted more dismay. Look out a ford up higher, above these lower meads, Where we may pass in safety our baggage and our steeds." XXV "I never," answer'd Hagan, "my life so weary found, But in these burly billows 'twould irk me to be drown'd. Many a knight of Etzel's, ere yet my day be o'er, By this good hand shall perish; that, 'faith, would please me more. XXVI "So here beside the water, ye noble knights, abide; Myself will seek the ferrymen along the river side, And bid them bring us over hence into Gelfrat's land." With that the sturdy Hagan took his good shield in hand. XXVII Well arm'd was the stern champion; he bore a shield of might; Strongly lac'd was his helmet, well-temper'd, burnish'd bright; His broadsword in a baldric hung o'er his armor sheen; Wounds could it cut full ghastly with both its edges keen. XXVIII As there and here for boatmen look'd out the warrior good, He heard a splash of water; listening awhile he stood. The sound came from wise women, who took their pleasure near, Bathing for refreshment in a fountain cool and clear. XXIX 'Ware of them was Hagan; nigh he closely crept; Sudden they espied him,--how away they swept! That they had so escap'd him, their bosoms swell'd with joy; He seiz'd upon their raiment, nor wrought them more annoy. XXX Then one of them bespake him (Hadburg was her name), "Noble knight, Sir Hagan, go seek a worthier game. Give us back our raiment, and we will tell thee all That from this march to Hungary shall thee and thine befall." XXXI Like water-hens they floated before him on the wave. Him seem'd, their well-known wisdom of truth assurance gave; Hence what they chose to tell him, he took with more belief. Then thus they of the future resolv'd the listening chief. XXXII Said th' one, "To Etzel's country (doubt not what Hadburg saith) You well may ride and safely, for that I pledge my faith, And never band of heroes sought kingdom far or near To win such height of honor; 'tis true as we are here." XXXIII Well pleas'd her speech Sir Hagan, his heart wax'd light and gay; He gave them back their vesture, and would no longer stay; But when again the mermaids had donn'd their wondrous weed, They told in truth, how Gunther in Hungary should speed. XXXIV