Ne'er can 1 think that RUdeger can do so much amiss."

" I can't go back," said Riideger, " the deadly die is cast ;
I must with you do battle ; to that my word is pass'd.
So each of you defend him as he loves his life.
I must perform my promise; so wills King Etzel's wife."



" Tarry yet a little, right noble Riideger I
I and my lords a moment would yet with you confer ;
Thereto hard need compels us, and danger gathering nigh ;
What boot were it to Etzel though here forlorn we die ?

"I'm now," pursued Sir Hagan, " beset with grievous care ;
The shield that Lady Goteliqd gave me late to bear,
Is hewm, and all-to broken by many a Hunnish brand.
I brought it fair and friendly hither to Etzel's land.
** Ah I that to me this favour heaven would be pleas'd to yield.
That I might to defend me bear so well-prov'd a shield
As that, right noble RUdeger, before thee now display'd I
No more should I in battle need then the hauberk's aid."

" Fain with the same I 'd serve thee to th' height of thy desire,
But that I fear such proffer might waken Kriemhild's ire.
Still, take it to thee, Hagan, and wield it well in hand.
Ah ! might'st thou bring it with thee to thy Burgundian land ! "

While thus with words so courteous so fair a gift he sped,
The eyes of many a champion with scalding tears were red.
'T was the last gift, that buckler, e'er given to comrade dear
By the lord of Bechelaren, the blameless RUdeger.
