Swoln was the roaring river, bark was there none to spy;
Every bold Nibelunger look'd on with wistful eye
In doubt how to pass over, the surges spread so wide.
Many a good knight from saddle down sprung the stream beside.
"Good Lord of Rhine," said Hagan, "much mischief here may be,
Much may'st thou have to suffer, as thou thyself may'st see.
Strong is the flood and furious, the stream can ill be cross'd.
Many a good knight, I fear me, will here to-day be lost."
XXIV
"Why dost thou check me, Hagan?" the troubled king 'gan say;
"Do not, as thou are valiant, the daunted more dismay.
Look out a ford up higher, above these lower meads,
Where we may pass in safety our baggage and our steeds."
XXV
"I never," answer'd Hagan, "my life so weary found,
But in these burly billows 'twould irk me to be drown'd.
Many a knight of Etzel's, ere yet my day be o'er,
By this good hand shall perish; that, 'faith, would please me more.
XXVI
"So here beside the water, ye noble knights, abide;
Myself will seek the ferrymen along the river side,
And bid them bring us over hence into Gelfrat's land."
With that the sturdy Hagan took his good shield in hand.