“Now, by my faith,” cried Günther, “’twas in despite of Etzel that we refused; but forthwith Wolfhart grew insolent, and thus it came to strife.” Then said Dietrich: “Günther of Burgundy, for the evil thou hast wrought, methinks thou owest me some amends, and thou likewise, Sir Hagen. If you will yield yourselves captives to my sword, then I will guard you from the wrathful Huns,--at peril of my life, if need be.” “God in heaven forbid,” cried Hagen, “that two such knights should give up their trusty swords while alive and well armed withal!” But again Dietrich urged them to accept his terms, and Hildebrand added: “God knows, Sir Hagen, there is little need for shame in such atonement. And soon, it may be, the hour will come when you would gladly obtain such peace.” [Illustration: _DEATH OF KRIEMHILD_] “In faith,” replied Hagen, scornfully, “I would indeed accept such terms ere I, like thee, would fly full-armed, from a single knight.” Hildebrand would have returned this taunt, but Dietrich forbade them thus to bandy words like two old market-wives, and turning to Hagen he said, sternly: “Tell me, valiant hero, did I hear aright that you wished to measure swords with me?” Well as he knew Sir Dietrich’s giant strength, he could not gainsay this; wherefore he replied that he would willingly abide the issue of a combat with him, so his good Nibelung sword did not fail him. Thereupon Dietrich raised his shield as signal for attack, and Hagen sprang fiercely down to meet him, the sword of the Nibelungs ringing loudly on the stout shield of his foe. Sir Dietrich, too, was well aware of Hagen’s might, and sought at first with caution merely to ward his powerful blows, yet did he lose no chance for skilful sword-strokes here and there. At last he dealt stout Hagen such a deadly wound that powerless he sank upon the ground. Then casting his sword and shield aside, Dietrich quickly bound him fast and led him thus unto the Queen. Now, indeed, did Kriemhild’s joy and triumph know no bounds. Vowing her lasting gratitude to Dietrich, she promised to reward him well that he had thus delivered up her deadly foe into her hands. But Dietrich urged her to spare Sir Hagen, saying: “Be merciful, O Queen! and it may chance that one day he shall make amends to thee for all thy wrongs.” To this Kriemhild made no reply, but ordered Hagen to be put in chains and cast into a dungeon where none might see him. Meanwhile Günther loudly called for Dietrich, that he might avenge Hagen’s downfall. Soon he returned and then followed another fierce encounter; but though Günther fought with the courage of despair, he was overpowered at last, as Hagen had been, and taken before the Queen. Kriemhild bade him welcome; but Günther replied: “Small thanks will I bestow on thee for thy greetings, for well I know they bode us little good.”