By the insolence of this Hagen! For this shall his heart’s blood pay!
Yea, for my ferryman’s murder his life shall atone straightway!”
Then couched they over the bucklers for the onset-shock their spears,
Gelfrat and Hagen the mighty: their rage was exceeding fierce.
Dankwart the while and Elsè in fight clashed man against man.
Right well did they prove their prowess, and stern was the strife that began.
When was more gallant encounter of champions so renowned?
In the mighty shock of their clashing was Hagen borne to the ground,
Over his charger’s crupper by Gelfrat’s hand back-forced,
Since the breast-band had snapped asunder: then first was Hagen unhorsed.