XXV "I' faith, my lady Kriemhild, 'tis now full many a day Since in my power the treasure of the Nibelungers lay. In the Rhine my lords bade sink it; I did their bidding fain, And in the Rhine, I warrant, till doomsday 'twill remain." XXVI Then thus the queen made answer, "That was just what I thought. Little of it, ay, little have you hither brought, Though 'twas my own, unquestion'd to keep or give away. I've had for it much sorrow and many a dreary day." XXVII "The devil a hoard I bring you," said Hagan, the stern knight; "I've quite enough to carry in my mailcoat bright And in my trusty buckler; my hand must wield the sword, My head support the helmet;--how could I bring your hoard?" XXVIII "Think not I stir this matter because for gold I care; To give have I such plenty, your gifts I well can spare. One murder and two robberies! I have been beggar'd thrice For these to the last farthing poor I demand the price." XXIX Then the Queen of Hungary bespake the warriors all; "No weapons may be carried, ye knights, into the hall. I'll have them kept in safety, so give them up to me." "In truth," replied Sir Hagan, "that shall never be. XXX "I long not for the honor that a queen so great and fair My shield and other armor should to my quarters bear. Not so my father taught me; ever of old said he, Let none but thou, son Hagan, thy armor-bearer be." XXXI "Oh! woe is me unhappy," burst Dame Kriemhild out, "My brethren here and Hagan, why should they shrink and doubt? Not trust me with their bucklers?--they have been warn'd, I see; If I but knew who did it, death should be his fee." XXXII Thereto, inflam'd with anger, return'd Sir Dietrich brave, "'Twas I that the warning to the noble princes gave, And to their liegeman Hagan, to whom such hate thou bear'st. Now up, she-fiend! be doing, and harm me if thou dar'st!" XXXIII Deep blush'd the wife of Etzel for anger and for shame; Much she fear'd Sir Dietrich, that vengeance-breathing dame; Nor word she spake, but, turning, with many a sharp, quick glance Ever as thence she parted glared on her foes askance. XXXIV Then two clasp'd hands as frankly as brother does with brother; The one was good Sir Dietrich, Sir Hagan was the other. Then spoke the lofty Berner with courteous words and true; "In sooth your coming hither right bitterly I rue, XXXV "Through that which with such malice the vengeful queen let fall." Straight answered he of Trony, "'Faith, there's a cure for all." Such words unto his fellow spoke either mighty man. King Etzel had observ'd them, and thus to ask began. XXXVI