Then gave he valiant Gernot a sword full sharp and bright, Which soon the bold Burgundian bore manfully in fight. That so her husband gave it, well pleased the margrave's wife. Alas! the fatal present cost Rudeger his life. XLVII Then to the great King Gunther he gave from out his store A mailcoat, that with honor the sturdy champion wore. But seldom could the monarch to take a present brook, Yet at the hand of Rudeger this with warm thanks he took. XLVIII Then Gotelind, as was fitting, offer'd with fair accord A parting gift to Hagan, that, like the king his lord, He, too, not empty-handed, to Etzel court might ride, But he declin'd the present, and to the dame replied, XLIX "I ne'er saw ought, fair lady, however rich and rare, That it would more content me hence as my own to bear, Than yonder well-form'd buckler that hangs on yonder wall. To take that shield to Hungary would please me most of all." L Soon as the Lady Gotelind heard Hagan's accents deep, They brought to mind her sorrow; she could not choose but weep. Then thought she on bold Nudung, by mightier Wittich slain, And to her wounded bosom the smart return'd again. LI Thus she bespake Sir Hagan, "That shield I freely give, And would to God the warrior among us still did live, Who bore it erst in battle; dead on the field he lay; Him must I weep for ever, mourning my life away." LII Then from her seat she totter'd; her limbs with anguish shook; The shield of her lamented in her white hands she took, And carried it to Hagan; he grasp'd the gift she gave, Giv'n and receiv'd in honor, and fitting well the brave. LIII A veil of glittering samite its varied hues conceal'd; Never had the daylight shone on a better shield. With precious stones far-beaming 'twas richly deck'd all o'er. It could not have been purchas'd for a thousand marks or more. LIV So by command of Hagan the shield away was ta'en. Then came to court Sir Dankwart among the parting train. To him gave Rudeger's daughter robes richly broider'd o'er, Which 'midst the Huns thereafter in joyous mood he wore. LV Of all the gifts that morning bestow'd on every guest, Not one by those Burgundians had ever been possess'd, But by the margrave's bounty, which so by proof they knew. Soon they became such foemen, that they the giver slew. LVI And now the valiant Folker with high-bred courtly grace Stepp'd forth before Dame Gotelind, and, standing there in place, His sweetest tones attemper'd and sang his choicest lay, Ere he from Bechlaren took leave and went his way. LVII With that the gentle hostess bade bring a casket near (Of friendly gifts and bounty and kindness you must hear); From this she took twelve bracelets, and drew them o'er his hand; "These you must take, and with you bear hence to Etzel's land,