Be Hagen never so grimly, alone will I meet him here.”
Thereat did Iring bow him at his friends’ and liegemen’s feet:
“Suffer ye me unholpen,” he said, “yon knight to meet.”
Right sorely loth they consented, for known to them well was the might
Of Hagen the Burgundian, the overweening knight.
So long did he entreat them that at last they needs must yield.
When his friends and his faithful vassals beheld him steadfast-willed,
And marked how he thirsted for honour, at the last they let him go.
Then did begin a grapple most grim ’twixt foe and foe.
Iring the knight of Daneland a casting-spear upswung;