But that awe of my lord constrains me, thou wert in sorry plight!
But now must we brook thine insults, since he hath forbidden the fight.”
Then sneered the viol-minstrel: “Who goeth in timorous doubt
Lest he haply transgress a commandment, shall brook full many a flout.
Small share of the spirit of heroes I find in a mood so mild!”
At the biting speech of his comrade Hagen grimly smiled.
“Thou shalt lack not proof of my spirit!” hotly Wolfhart cried.
“I will jangle thy viol-music so, that if ever thou ride
Homeward hence to the Rhineland, thou shalt croak a new song there!
Thy malapert tongue, thou scorner, with honour I may not bear!”