When others commended the journey hither with eager breath,
Hagen the grim withstood them, and named it the Ride unto Death.
Hitherward come thy brethren, the royal Princes three,
Uplifted in spirit: what other shall be of their company—
Of the rest can I speak not surely that thou shouldst be certified,
Save this, that the valiant minstrel Volker with these will ride.”
“I could well have foregone his presence,” answered Kriemhild the Queen:
“Small longing had I that Volker should here in our halls be seen.
But I joy for the coming of Hagen, for he is a hero good:
In the thought that we shall behold him, lightsome am I of mood.”