Ere thither had Queen Kriemhild these warriors darkling sent,
She said, "For heaven's sake listen to this my fix'd intent.
Harm none of yonder sleepers, but one whom I detest,
The faithless murderer Hagan; slay him and spare the rest."
XXII
Then spake the fearless gleeman, "Friend Hagan, we must bear
(As fits us) like true comrades the wakeful warder's care.
Before the house discern I a band of men in mail,
Who, as I think, will instant our wary watch assail."
XXIII
"Hush, hush," quick answer'd Hagan, "let them yet nearer steal;
Before they can espy us, they shall our weapons feel.
Our hands thus many a headpiece shall sudden split in twain,
And send them hence with sorrow to Kriemhild back again."
XXIV
One of the Hunnish champions in a trice espied
That the door was guarded; how at once he cried,
"This plan of ours, my comrades, we must straight give o'er;
I see the minstrel standing on guard the hall before.
XXV
"Look how his helmet glitters! 'tis not more bright than stout,
To dint of steel impassive, and temper'd well throughout;
His mail like fire is glowing; by him stands Hagan too;
The guests may sleep in safety with guards so stout and true."