Thereinto drave they the horses: so well swam each good steed,
That never a one of their thousands did the rush of the strong flood drown,
Albeit were some forwearied, and won to the land far down.
Then into the barge they carried their gold and their vesture-store,
Forasmuch as now from the journey they could turn them back no more.
And Hagen steered them over, that, with his strong hand on the helm,
Came many a gallant warrior into the stranger’s realm.
At the first proud knights a thousand, and his own thanes threescore
Did Hagen ferry over: then came aye more and more,
Till squires had crossed nine thousand: all these he brought to land.