They feared that he would slay them; but Hagen stood between, his anger turning.

[140]

Then spake unto the pilgrims that brave and warlike man:

“Your peace will I make gladly, altho’ I do not reign;

I hold no sway in the kingdom, but thither will I be sending,

And ’twixt yourself and my father of the hatred old I soon will make an ending.

[141]

“Would any now be doing what wealth to him will bring,

Let him my errand carry. Whoever to the king

Shall say what I shall bid him, gold will I give him truly;