"An I had only known it," / Hagen spake again,
"That thou didst look for present / from hand of every thane,
I were, methinks, so wealthy / —had I me bethought—
That I unto this country / likewise to thee my gift had brought."
"Now shall ye eke the story / to me more fully say:
The Nibelungen treasure, / where put ye that away?
My own possession was it, / as well ye understand.
That same ye should have brought me / hither unto Etzel's land."
"In sooth, my Lady Kriemhild, / full many a day hath flown
Since of the Nibelungen / hoard I aught have known.
Into the Rhine to sink it / my lords commanded me:
Verily there must it / until the day of judgment be."
Thereto the queen gave answer: / "Such was e'en my thought.
Thereof right little have ye / unto me hither brought,
Although myself did own it / and once o'er it held sway.
'Tis cause that I for ever / have full many a mournful day."
"The devil have I brought thee," / Hagen did declare.
"My shield it is so heavy / that I have to bear,
And my plaited armor; / my shining helmet see,
And sword in hand I carry, / —so might I nothing bring for thee."