Nay, show us, thou wisest of women, how we may cross this flood.”
She said: “If thou wilt not be counselled, if thy journey needs must be,
Look yonder across the water; a hostel there shalt thou see.
Therein a ferry-wight dwelleth: there is none else far or near.”
Thither impatiently turned he, to ask yet more and to hear.
Yet after the wrathful warrior again the mermaid cried:
“Too hasty art thou, Lord Hagen: a little yet abide
Till thou have received instruction how thou shalt reach yon strand.
Elsè named is the ruler of the marches of yonder land.
Gelfrat named is his brother, a mighty man in fight,