Thereat the good Knight Folker, the valiant minstrel, spake, "If you'll not scorn it, Hagan, I'd fain your watch partake This night, till early morning bring us both relief." Right cordially Sir Hagan thus thank'd the friendly chief: XIV "Now God in heaven reward you, Folker, dear friend and true. For ne'er another comrade I long, but only you, What strait soe'er beset me; I'm yours to my last breath, And well will I requite you, if hinder'd not by death." XV With that his glittering hauberk each girt his waist about, Each grasp'd in hand his buckler, and straight, with courage stout From the house forth issuing, took post outside the door, And there with faith and manhood still watch'd their comrades o'er. XVI The swift-footed minstrel scarce had he left the hall, Ere he his good buckler set down against the wall, And back hurried thither; his viol he took in hand, And with it as became him charm'd the way-wearied band. XVII Upon the stone he sat him beneath the palace door; Minstrel more undaunted viol ne'er struck before; He struck the strings so sweetly ever as he play'd, That the meed of thanks to Folker each haughty stranger paid. XVIII The house it all re-echoed, he struck so loud and shrill; The minstrel's strength was matchless, nor less the minstrel's skill. Sweeter anon and softer when he to play began, On the beds he steep'd in slumber many a care-harrow'd man. XIX When they in sleep were buried, and this by proof he knew, Once more in hand his buckler grasp'd the champion true, And, from the room forth stalking, before the tower he stepp'd, And so the slumbering strangers from the men of Kriemhild kept. XX 'Twas of the night the middle, or something earlier yet, When the bright gleam of helmets the glance of Folker met At distance through the darkness; 'twas Kriemhild's street-clad train, To do the guests a mischief all hastening on amain. XXI Ere thither had Queen Kriemhild these warriors darkling sent, She said, "For heaven's sake listen to this my fix'd intent. Harm none of yonder sleepers, but one whom I detest, The faithless murderer Hagan; slay him and spare the rest." XXII Then spake the fearless gleeman, "Friend Hagan, we must bear (As fits us) like true comrades the wakeful warder's care. Before the house discern I a band of men in mail, Who, as I think, will instant our wary watch assail." XXIII "Hush, hush," quick answer'd Hagan, "let them yet nearer steal; Before they can espy us, they shall our weapons feel. Our hands thus many a headpiece shall sudden split in twain, And send them hence with sorrow to Kriemhild back again." XXIV