He smote upon Hildebrand / that loud was heard the tone
Of Balmung resounding / that erst did Siegfried own,
But Hagen bold did seize it / when he the hero slew.
The old warrior did guard him, / as he was knight of mettle true.
Dietrich's doughty liegeman / with broadsword did smite
That did cut full sorely, / upon Tronje's knight;
Yet had the man of Gunther / never any harm.
Through his cuirass well-jointed / Hagen smote with mighty arm.
Soon as his wound perceivéd / the aged Hildebrand,
Feared he more of damage / to take from Hagen's hand;
Across his back full deftly / his shield swung Dietrich's man,
And wounded deep, the hero / in flight 'fore Hagen's fury ran.
Now longer lived not any / of all that goodly train
Save Gunther and Hagen, / doughty warriors twain.
With blood from wound down streaming / fled Master Hildebrand,
Whom soon in Dietrich's presence, / saw ye with saddest tidings stand.
He found the chieftain sitting / with sorrow all distraught,
Yet mickle more of sadness / unto him he brought.
When Dietrich saw how Hildebrand / cuirass all blood-red wore,
With fearful heart he questioned, / what the news to him he bore.