"So would I do far sooner," Sir Hagan made reply,
"Than ever from a palace so like a coward fly,
As you did, Master Hildebrand, but lately here in place.
I thought, i' faith, you better an opposite could face."
To him made answer Hildebrand, "Why twit you me with that?
Who was 't that by the Waskstone upon a buckler sat,
While of his kin so many the Spaniard Walter slew?
Look to your own shortcomings; you'll have enough to do."
XXII
Then spake the good Sir Dietrich, "Ill fits it warriors bold
Like two testy beldams to squabble and to scold.
I charge you, Master Hildebrand, urge this discourse no more.
I'm now a lonely wanderer; my sorrow whelms me o'er.
XXIII
"Now let me know, Sir Hagan," he thus pursued his speech,
"What your two active champions were saying each to each,
When thus equipp'd for battle you mark'd me drawing nigh.
Was it not, that you against me alone your strength would try?"
XXIV
"Neither of us denies it," thus Hagan sternly spoke,
"I'd fain straight make the trial with many a sturdy stroke,
Unless this my good weapon, the sword of Nibelung, break.
I'm wroth that you of both of us expect a prize to make."