Of a truth by mine hands unto no man this day hath scathe been done.”
Straightway thereat did Gernot the Prince Burgundian say:
“Lest many a dear friend perish I needs must fear this day,
Inasmuch as on all the river we see no boatman here.
How we shall win thereover needs must I sorely fear.”
But cheerly and loud cried Hagen: “Down on the bank do ye cast,
O squires, the horses’ harness! I mind me that in time past
Myself was the deftest boatman that on all the Rhine men knew.
Into the land of Gelfrat even I will ferry you.”
To the end that over the river they might win with the better speed,