"Full surely will I help thee," / the minstrel straight replied;
"And saw I e'en a monarch / with all his men beside
Hither come against us, / the while a sword I wield
Not fear shall ever prompt me / from thy side one pace to yield."
"Now God in heaven, O Volker, / give thy high heart its meed.
Will they forsooth assail me, / whereof else have I need?
Wilt thou thus stand beside me / as here is thy intent,
Let come all armed these warriors, / on whatsoever purpose bent."
"Now rise we from this settle," / the minstrel spake once more,
"While that the royal lady / passeth here before.
To her be done this honor / as unto lady high.
Ourselves in equal manner / shall we honor eke thereby."
"Nay, nay! as me thou lovest," / Hagen spake again,
"For so would sure imagine / here each hostile thane
That 'twere from fear I did it, / should I bear me so.
For sake of never any / will I from this settle go.
"Undone we both might leave it / in sooth more fittingly.
Wherefore should I honor / who bears ill-will to me?
Such thing will I do never, / the while I yet have life.
Nor reck I aught how hateth / me the royal Etzel's wife."