"Now let me know, Sir Hagan," he thus pursued his speech, "What your two active champions were saying each to each, When thus equipp'd for battle you mark'd me drawing nigh. Was it not, that you against me alone your strength would try?" XXIV "Neither of us denies it," thus Hagan sternly spoke, "I'd fain straight make the trial with many a sturdy stroke, Unless this my good weapon, the sword of Nibelung, break. I'm wroth that you of both of us expect a prize to make." XXV Soon as heard Sir Dietrich what grim Hagan thought, Up to him his buckler quick the warrior caught. How swift against him Hagan down the staircase dash'd! Loud on the mail of Dietrich the sword of Nibelung clash'd. XXVI Well knew the noble Dietrich how fierce and fell a knight Was standing now against him; so warily the fight 'Gainst those tempestuous sword-strokes wag'd the good lord of Bern, The strength and skill of Hagan he had not now to learn. XXVII He fear'd, too, mighty Balmung as down it swept amain; Yet at times Sir Dietrich with craft would strike again, Till that to sink before him he brought his foeman strong; A fearful wound he gave him that was both deep and long. XXVIII Sir Dietrich then bethought him, "Thou'rt faint and ill bestead; I should win little worship, were I to strike thee dead. I'll make a different trial, if thou can'st now be won By main force for a pris'ner." With wary heed 'twas done. XXIX Down he threw his buckler; wondrous was his might; He his arms resistless threw round Trony's knight. So was by his stronger the man of strength subdued. Thereat the noble Gunther remain'd in mournful mood. XXX His vanquish'd foe Sir Dietrich bound in a mighty band, And led him thence to Kriemhild, and gave into her hand The best and boldest champion that broadsword ever bore. She after all her anguish felt comfort all the more. XXXI For joy the queen inclin'd her before the welcome guest; "Sir Knight! in mind and body heaven keep thee ever blessed! By thee all my long sorrows are shut up in delight. Ever, if death prevent not, thy service I'll requite." XXXII "Fair and noble Kriemhild," thus Sir Dietrich spake, "Spare this captive warrior, who full amends will make For all his past transgressions; him here in bonds you see; Revenge not on the fetter'd th' offences of the free." XXXIII With that she had Sir Hagan to durance led away, Where no one could behold him, where under lock he lay. Meanwhile the fierce King Gunther shouted loud and strong, "Whither is gone the Berner? he hath done me grievous wrong." XXXIV