Long those high times lasted; their mirth, how loud it rose!

With crowding and with shouting great the bustle grows.

The king now bade the champions to end the strife so heated;

And leave to them was given that they beside the ladies should be seated.

[188]

Before his friends and kinsmen then spake King Sigeband:

“Unto my dear son Hagen give I now my land,

With the dwellers and the strongholds, be they far or nearer.

Let all my trusty liegemen have him now for their lord, and hold none dearer.”

[189]