Rudiger gave Hagen his own shield ere he fought at Etzel's command with those whom he loved. Fierce was the conflict and long, and in the end Gernot and Rudiger slew one another. Then did Wolfhart, the bold knight of Bern, lead on the followers of Dietrich to avenge the death of Rudiger. One by one they were cut down by Gunther's heroes, save Hildebrand, who slew Volker. But Hagen made vengeful attack and wounded him. The old warrior Aled. He hastened unto Dietrich, and cried: "All our men are slain, and of the Burgundians but Gunther and Hagen remain alive." Dietrich was wroth. He sorrowed for his brave knights. No longer could he withhold from the fray. So he put on his armour and went unto the Hall. He first bade Gunther and Hagen to surrender; but they defied him. Dietrich drew his sword and fell upon Hagen, whom he speedily wounded. "Battle-weary art thou," Dietrich cried; "I shall slay thee not." As he spake thus he caught Hagen in his arms and overpowered him. So was the valiant hero taken captive. Dietrich led him bound before Queen Kriemhild, and her heart rejoiced. "Now is all my sorrow requited," she said; "thee, Dietrich, shall I thank until my life hath end." The Prince of Bern said: "Slay him not. He may yet serve thee, and thus make good the evil he hath done." Hagen was cast into a dark dungeon, there to await his doom. Dietrich then fought against Gunther, who was more (0 400) 27 fierce than Hagen had been. Indeed he came nigh to slaying Dietrich. But he was at length borne down, and taken prisoner and bound. When the King of Burgundy was taken before Kriemhild, she said: "I welcome thee, O Gunther." He answered her: "If thy welcome were made with love, I would thank ye, but I know well that thou dost mock." Dietrich pleaded with the queen that Gunther and Hagen should be spared, but his words fell upon ears that heard not. Kriemhild went unto Hagen and demanded that he should return unto her the treasure he had stolen. The knight answered her: "Vows I took not to reveal where the hoard is hidden so long as my king liveth." Then did the queen command that her brother should be slain. With her own white hand she held high by the hair before Hagen the dripping head of Gunther. "Now all thy brothers are dead," Hagen cried. "Where the treasure is concealed is known but to God and myself alone. . . . Thou devil, thou shalt never possess it!" So wroth was Kriemhild that she seized a sword and smote off the head of Hagen. "Alas," cried King Etzel, "the boldest knight who ever fought in battle hath fallen by a woman's hand!" Old Hildebrand, recking not what would happen him, drew his sword and smote the queen. A loud cry broke from her lips, and ere long Kriemhild died. So ended the festival of King Etzel, as gladness must ever end in grief. What befell thereafter I can tell not. Knights and |