Dietrich the great war-captain. Surely on us will he fall
To avenge the grievous evil that we unto him have done.
We will see of us two warriors which is the mightier one.
Ay, what though yonder champion, Dietrich the Lord of Bern,
Account him never so stalwart, a foeman never so stern,
If he think upon us to avenge him for that hath befallen him,
Even I am he shall withstand him.” Thus spake Hagen the grim.
That saying was heard of Dietrich and of Master Hildebrand,
As they came and beheld the heroes, the two yet living, stand
Without, and for weariness leaning on the stairway-parapet.