By thy knightly honour I pray thee, O Gunther, royal peer,
Requite thou me for the heart-pain that thou upon me didst wreak.
O brave knight, make the atonement: no further revenge will I seek.
Unto me do thou render thee captive, with Hagen thy vassal-thane;
And so to mine uttermost power will I defend you twain
From all despiteful usage that the Huns would do unto you.
Ye shall prove herein mine honour, ye shall find me faithful and true.”
“Forefend it, God in Heaven,” cried Hagen scornfully,
“That two such battle-champions should render them captive to thee,
Who yet are strong to face thee with shield and helm and brand,