Ere hero by goodly hero untroubled rest had won.
And now ’gan Hagen the dreadless his harness of battle to don.
Then answered the viol-minstrel, and the good thane Volker spake:
“If thou scorn my request not, Hagen, with thee will I undertake
This night the watching in armour, till the shadows flee away.”
Then heartily thanked he Volker, and thus did the warrior say:
“Now God from his Heaven reward thee, Volker, of men most dear!
In all my sorest peril would I have none other near
Than thee alone, whensoever into hard straits I were brought.
Full well will I requite thee, so death forestall me not.”