Commit them to me, ye heroes, and well will I ward them for you.”
“Of a truth,” made answer Hagen, “that will we never do!
I crave not the honour, O gracious child of a princely line,
That thou to thy place of safety bear any weapon of mine,
Nor shield, nor battle-harness—queen, well I wot, thou art here.
Wisely my father taught me to ward mine own war-gear.”
“Ah, woe is me for the sorrows heaped on me!” Kriemhild cried.
“For what cause now of my brother and of Hagen is this denied
That I have their shields in my keeping? Of a surety, warned are they!
If I knew what man hath betrayed me, his head for his treason should pay!”