He wears on his head a helmet whose splendour flames through the dark,
As adamant hard and burnished, dintless withal and stark.
Bright glow the rings of his hauberk, as fire that flashes afar;
And beside him standeth Hagen. Well warded the strangers are!”
Then backward they faltered: when Volker marked how they turned to flee,
Straightway unto his comrade he spake full angerly:
“Now suffer me from the hall-way to go to yon men in mail:
I will speak with the vassals of Kriemhild, and ask of the night-tide’s tale.”
“Now nay, an thou lovest me,” Hagen answered, “thou shalt not so!
If once thou leave this portal, yon battle-eager foe