When Volker saw the Queen descending the broad stairs followed by a band of heavily armed knights, he said to Hagen: “Why doth the Queen approach with such a train? Methinks they come with no good intent.” “Truly ’tis with some purpose,” replied Hagen. “Yet were there none save these in the land of the Huns to bar my way, then should I well, in truth, ride safely home again! But tell me, Volker, since we may come to blows, wilt thou faithfully abide by me, as I will pledge my loyal service unto thee?” “By the mass, I will!” cried Volker, and therewith gave his strong right hand to Hagen. “Aye, though the King and all his host should come against us, yet would I stand beside thee, nor budge an inch as long as breath remained.” “God prosper thee for such knightly words!” said Hagen. “Now let them come! With Volker fighting by my side, why should I fear?” As the long train moved slowly across the courtyard, Volker said: “Were it not well to rise and greet the Queen? ’Tis but the custom of the court.” But Hagen answered wrathfully: “Wouldst thou then that I show courtesy to one I hate? Nay, as for that, forsooth, the Huns would think ’twas fear that urged me to it. Keep thy seat, an thou dost love me, Volker.” Hereupon Hagen, with intent to wound the Queen in cruel fashion, lifted the great sword, Balmung, which he had borne since Siegfried’s death, and laid it across his knees, where Kriemhild’s gaze must straightway fall upon it. Upon the hilt there blazed a jewel, green as grass, the sheath was crimson, and the handle all of ruddy gold. Kriemhild stood before him; and when she saw the sword that her beloved spouse so long had borne, hot tears of anguish overflowed her eyes. Whereat a gleam of savage joy passed over Hagen’s face; but Volker drew his sword nearer to him on the bench, and both heroes sat undaunted before the Queen and all her men. Then Kriemhild demanded haughtily of Hagen how he had dared come thither, knowing what he had done, and furthermore, who had sought his presence. Whereto Hagen replied: “None, O Queen, did summon me; yet since my master was bidden by thy lord, I also am come as a true liegeman.” Hereupon Kriemhild taxed him openly with the foul deed he had done upon her lord; and Hagen turned upon her fiercely, crying: “What need have we to speak of that? Truly ’twas I that slew your Siegfried, nor do I fear to own it. I am here, and any one who pleaseth may seek vengeance on me!” “Now you have heard!” cried Kriemhild to her Hunnish knights. “He hath confessed the deed that wrought me such deep woe. Deal with him as doth best befit; nor will I question aught thereof.” But as the Huns gazed upon the two mighty champions and listened to Hagen’s fierce words, they lost heart, and none would venture to attack them. They looked at one another, and one said: “’Twere but certain death to assault these two!”