Alone will I go, and for boatmen will I search by the river-side
Which unto the land of Gelfrat shall ferry us over the spate.”
Then took the aweless Hagen his strong shield, goodly and great.
Well was he armed against foemen: his shield from his shoulders was slung,
And he laced on his head his helmet, a splendour of fight far-flung:
Belted unto his corslet was a broad bright battle-glaive
Twin-edged, whose deadly keenness the shields of the mighty clave.
Up-stream and down-stream casting for a ferry-wight sought he.
Then heard he a plashing of water, and hearkened where it should be.
And lo, in a pool fair-welling did mermaids plunge and swim