Loudly on Dietrich’s armour the sword of the Niblungs rang.
Full well in that hour knew Dietrich that his lion-hearted foe
Was passing grim of spirit: from many a deadly blow
With cunning of fence did he ward him, that noble Lord of Bern.
He proved what a knight was Hagen, to his mortal foe how stern.
He had need to beware of Balmung, stark sword renowned afar;
And but now and again smote Dietrich, with cunningest craft of war,
Till at last in a grapple of giants he wore down Hagen the strong,
And a grievous wound he dealt him, a gash both deep and long.
Then bethought him Dietrich the noble: “Long travail hath sapped thy might: