XXXIX.
How Gunther, Hagen, and Kriemhild were slain

Now for his battle-harness Lord Dietrich’s self hath gone,

And Hildebrand the grey-haired helped him to gird it on.

So loud was the voice of the wailing of that most mighty man,

That through all the shuddering palace the shivering echoes ran.

But at last he refrained him, and hardened his hero-heart again,

And in sternest wrath he armed him, that good and gallant thane;

And a shield of the steel tough-welded he took in his sinewy hand,

And forth of the palace he hied him with Master Hildebrand.

Then out spake Hagen of Troneg: “I see draw nigh to the hall